Vernon Storm Damage Aftermath: Tips Filing Insurance Claims

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Story Created: Jun 9, 2008 at 5:08 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM CST

Power crews are working in Vernon to clean-up debris from last Thursday's storm. 

The work pile is growing for insurance companies as clean up continues.

Vernon's State Farm Insurance company says its phones are ringing off the hook. But home owners, there are ways you can speed up the claim process.

"We already have a catastrophe team in the area. They started coming in Friday so they're scouring around everywhere," State Farm Agent Lisa Herber said.

Herber said the first thing you should do after filing a claim, is making any emergency repairs to protect your property from further damage.

"So that means putting tarp on the roof or covering up a window; getting things out of anything wet," Herber said.

 She stresses to only make temporary repairs if you can do it safely.

Be sure to save your receipts. Herber adds don't make any permanent repairs until a claims adjuster has been to your home and assessed the damage.

Also, never throw anything out.

Herber said taking pictures or videotaping damage is helpful.

There are some items you need to include and might not know it.

"We have some people who have spoiled food, so we'd like them to make a list of those things," Herber said.

Last Thursday's storms prove home owner's insurance is important.

"For some people it wasn't a matter of a few shingles gone. Some people lost a roof and if that happens, you can have a total lost on your house," Herber said.

Keep in mind, the more information you have about damaged property, the faster your claim can be settled.

Keep copies of everything you submit to your insurance company and all paperwork you receive.

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