The Insurance Claim Process

Make sure everyone is ok.
Take photos of the tree.
Call your agent. They can determine whether there is coverage or not.
Hire a contractor to remove the tree and repair any damage.
Trees & Insurance:
    Most homeowners insurance does not pay for the removal of a tree unless it has fallen and caused property damage or is blocking a driveway or road.
    In Ohio, it does not matter whose property the tree is on, if it falls and causes property damage, the owner of the damaged property is responsible for repairs.

Stay Safe! Listen to the radio for additional storms.
Do not try to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. If this is the case, hire a professional! If you don’t know of any, check with your agent or your chamber of commerce.
Stay away from down power lines and flood waters.
Take pictures of the damage before beginning clean up.
Take steps to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any material or labor involved in attempting to prevent further damage. If you have enough damage to justify filing a claim, you may be reimbursed for these expenses.
    Tarp over any roof damage
    Board up any broken windows or doors
If you have water in the house, remove any items that are wet such as carpets,curtains or rugs. Open windows and run fans to try and dry it out as quickly as possible. Keep records of what is being thrown out.
If the power has been out for an extended period of time throw away the contents of the refrigerator and freezer. Keep records of what is thrown out. Some homeowners policies have coverage for spoilage of food due to loss of power.
If you have trees down, inspect each tree before beginning. Make sure that the tree isn’t going to shift or move while you’re working on it.
If you have any damage to your house, outbuildings or fences begin getting estimates as soon as possible.

Ask your friends and family if they know of any good contractors. If they have done a good job for someone you know they will probably do a good job for you.
Ask for references and check them! It’s also a good idea to check the contractor’s online ratings. The better business bureau, google and facebook are great resources for this.
Make sure they have done this type of work before.Ask them for pictures of recent jobs they have completed.
Ask them for a certificate of insurance.
Get several bids for the job and keep in mind that often times you get what you pay for.
Educate yourself. Know what permits may be required for your project and what code is for your project. Ask your contractor about them. The last thing you want is a surprise permit fee or completed project that doesn’t meet code.
Get your contract in writing. This should include time frames, cost, payment arrangements as well as a detailed description of the project.
Be prepared. Have your colors, finishes and samples selected before the project beings.
Protect yourself. Remove any valuables from the worksite to avoid damage or theft.
Communicate with your contractor about storage for tools and materials.
Be courteous of your neighbors. Notify them of the project and timeline and make sure the contractor and crew are courteous as well.
Schedule a final walkthrough. Make sure everything is to your satisfaction before signing off. Keep in mind that if this project is for an insurance claim that the insurance company only pays for repairs once. If something goes wrong after you sign off it becomes a matter between you and your contractor. Choose carefully.

Make sure everyone is safe.
Call your agent. They can help arrange temporary housing and guide you through the process.
Contact a fire restoration company to board up an windows or doors that were damaged.
Contact the police department to let them know that there was a fire and that the home will be vacant.
Keep detailed records of any expenses incurred due to the loss as this may be reimbursed by your insurance company.
Go to https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf for a detailed plan to recover after a fire.

Make sure everyone is safe.
Call the police.
Make sure everyone is safe and your pets are accounted for.
Call your agent.
Begin making a list of anything that is missing.
Secure any windows or doors that were damaged.
Notify your banks and credit card companies.
Consider signing up for credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
Inform your neighbors.

Make sure everyone is safe.
Make sure everyone is ok, but do not admit fault.
If necessary, call for an ambulance or arrange transportation.
Get photos of the scene, make notes of what happened and how. Also make note of any witness’.
Call your agent

Stay Safe! Listen the radio and stay alert for additional storms.
Make sure everyone in the house is ok.
If you smell gas, turn off your gas supply at the meter.
Only use candles when necessary and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Keep pets indoors. If you must take them out, keep them on a leash.
If you are using a generator, operate it outside away from windows and doors.
If you feel safe to venture outside, stay away from down power lines, tree limbs or anything else that could cause injury.
If you are able, check on neighbors.
Do not enter any buildings that have sustained structural damage.
Do not swim or wade into flood waters.
Do not drive unless necessary, give first responders and work crews room to do their job safely. If you do drive, do not try to drive through flood waters.

Stay Safe! Listen the radio and stay alert for additional storms.
Stay safe! Make sure everyone in the house is ok. If you feel safe going outside watch for down power lines, tree limbs or anything else that could cause injury.
Evaluate the damage. Take necessary steps to prevent further damage. For example, board up broken windows or tarp over missing shingles.
Hire a contractor, if necessary, to make temporary repairs and to give you an estimate to complete the job.
Contact your agent to see if it makes sense to file a claim.