I wasn’t sure where to post this, but if anyone is struggling with the storms (or you know people who are) and their pipes have burst, the roof has caved in, or there is physical damage to the home. Please advise them to call their insurance company asap. As an agent, I know many are unaware of the coverage for loss of use. This will provide them money to get a hotel and live for a bit, while the house is inhabitable (sic).
Loss of use coverage from your insurance company is standard and included FOR FREE with most homeowners, condo, or renters insurance policy. It covers both expenses during the storm and after the storm if your home is uninhabitable before repairs can be made! Plumbing repair wait times are going to be a thing here! Roof repairs also! Call your insurance now and document, document, document!
If you need loss of use reimbursement while waiting for plumbing repairs to be made, try to get in writing (email or text message you can screenshot should be ok) that you can’t get it fixed right away. Having that from multiple service companies will support your loss of use. Your agent (if you have one) can be a great advocate for you but they do not actually handle the claims approval process. They do have some leverage to argue for you with your insurance company’s claims department but some unscrupulous agents will be unhelpful because many companies pay bonuses to agents who can sell claims-free policies.
Bonus insurance tip! You don’t have to get multiple bids if the work is going to cost more than your deductible. You are legally required to pay your deductible but insurance is going to pay the rest so hire a company who does good work and you are comfortable with them. A company that promises that you won’t have to pay your deductible is literally promising to break the law. Don’t trust them.
Anything extra you are wanting done (and can afford) might be cheaper to add now since the service call and some of the work is already paid for!
ellievsbear
