Sitting in for Brian Haldane is Franz Borghard and Richard Sprinkle interviewing Galen Hair, an expert from Insurance Claims HQ based in New Orleans, emphasizes the importance of proactive preparation for hurricane season. He advises that instead of focusing on how to file an insurance claim, individuals should concentrate on actions that can be taken beforehand to ensure they are well-prepared. This includes thoroughly documenting the condition of one’s home through photos and videos, which can be easily done with a smartphone. Such documentation is crucial as it can be challenging to recall specific details after a significant loss.
Hair also highlights the necessity of having a well-prepared hurricane kit. Essential items for this kit include a copy of your insurance policy and any other important documents related to your home, especially for those living in historic districts in Louisiana. With the instability in the insurance market, such as carriers going under or selling policies, having immediate access to your policy is vital. He suggests digitizing all important documents and receipts and storing them in the cloud or on a DVD to ensure they are not lost in the event of damage to the physical copies.
Overall, Hair’s advice centers on the importance of being prepared before a disaster strikes. By taking steps to document the state of your home and organize crucial documents, you can alleviate some of the stress and confusion that often accompanies the aftermath of a hurricane. This preparation allows for a smoother insurance claim process and ensures that you have the necessary information at hand when you need it most.