TDCI Offers Tips for Filing Insurance Claims, Selecting Contractors

Published by News Desk 2 on May 31, 2017.
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In the wake of the heavy storms that affected Tennessee residents over the Memorial Day weekend, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) wants to help affected consumers recover as quickly as possible.

Here’s a checklist of tips to keep in mind when filing an insurance claim or choosing a contractor to make repairs after the storms:

Insurance Tips

  • File your claim as soon as possible. Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time frame.
  • Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file a claim. Keep a diary of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors or relief agencies.
  • Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they need. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim.
  • If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses.
  • Take photographs/video of any damage.
  • Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Don’t have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage.
  • Maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect.
  • Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
  • Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your policy.
  • To file a complaint, visit us online or call (800) 342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.

Hiring Contractors:

  • To protect yourself, only hire licensed contractors. Visit verify.tn.gov to ensure that a contractor is properly licensed to work in the State of Tennessee. Different types of work or work with a higher cost may require different licensure. (Learn more about Tennessee contracting laws here.)
  • Get several bids. It’s best to get at least three bids and check references.
  • Get a written contract that includes the company’s name, address, and telephone number. The contract should also include an anticipated start and completion date.
  • Never pay more than one-third down and do not let the payments get ahead of the work.
  • Make sure the contractor is insured to cover workers’ compensation, damage and general liability insurance.
  • When hiring a contractor, avoid:
  • A person going door-to-door selling their services.
  • A person who offers services for a short time only, which makes consumers feel rushed and unable to research the contractor.
  • Unmarked trucks or vans, or a refusal or reluctance to set out complete and specific contract terms in writing.
  • Being pressured to pay for more than half of the cost upfront.

– See more at: http://www.tn.gov/news/50764#sthash.eDh2MPQj.dpuf