Winter Storm Recovery Guide
from Brookview Insurance
Safety First
- If your power is out, use caution when utlizing candles or generators for light and heat. If it's out for an extended period of time, go to designated shelter.
- Never use a generator inside or in a partially enclosed area. Locate the unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, be sure to have a full tank of gas, a fully-charged cell phone, warm blankets and water in your car.
- If you're concerned about your pipes freezing, leaving them slightly open (evan just a trickle) will minimze your risk of frozen pipes.
- Bring your pets inside. A garage is not warm enough during a severe winter storm.
Report Your Claim
You can report your claim one of two ways. Be ready to provide a general description of your damage.
- Contact your insurance company directly
- Call Brookview at 585-555-5000
Make Temporary Repairs
If you have damage to your home, property or car as a result of the winter storm it is your responsibility to take action to prevent further damage.
Save all receipts from your temporary repairs.
- Cover broken windows and holes in roofs with tarps or plywood.
- Clean up broken glass.
If you’re not sure it’s safe, professionals can help, and you should hire a local contractor who specializes in this kind of work.
Schedule Repairs
Most insurance companies require that you to wait until the damage to your property has been assessed by a claims representative before you begin making permanent repairs.
However, you should schedule a contractor to make permanent repairs as soon as possible because contractors can be difficult to schedule after a storm.
Understand Your Responsibilities
Your insurance company will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the storm damage occurred. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, they will pay to repair or replace damage with fiberglass materials, but they won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile.
If damage is extensive, people sometimes decide to take the opportunity to upgrade their property with better or more expensive materials.
If you want to pay the additional expense to upgrade, you’re welcome to do so out of your personal budget.
Any time you make improvements to your property, let us know to make sure you have enough insurance coverage, and to find out if you are eligible for new discounts as a result of your home improvements.