Are you ready to battle monsoon season here in Arizona? While most long-time residents understand the importance of preparing for storm season, there’s always a chance that your home could be damaged over the next several weeks. Recovering from a storm is always a bit of a headache, but when you’ve invested in comprehensive home insurance coverage and work with reputable contractors, you can sail through the bad weather with relative ease. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a great home insurance policy and how to determine which contractors have your best interests in mind.
Weathering the Storm: 5 Steps to Take After Monsoon Season in AZ
While it’s important to plan ahead for rainy days with the right level of home insurance protection, sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. If your home is damaged during a summer storm, you should act quickly to prevent further damage and arrange for repairs.
1. Contact Your Insurance Agent
As soon as you notice any damages, you should try to safely secure the area so that no one in the home will be hurt. Next, you’ll need to act quickly to contact your insurance agent and file a claim. If possible, take photos or video to document the extent of the damage and hang onto this evidence in case you need it later in the claims process.
2. Contact Local Contractors
You may have noticed in the past that local contractors seem to prepare for storm season by getting their name out to homeowners around the great Mesa area in the form of fliers, television commercials, radio spots, and even billboard advertising. While this can be super handy if you’re in need of speedy repairs, it’s also essential to keep in mind that “storm chasers” are typically out in full force during this time.
3. Beware of Storm Chasers
Unfortunately, certain contractors tend to show up in areas that have recently been hit hard by summer storms only to take advantage of desperate homeowners who are looking for quick fixes at affordable prices. Do your best to resist high-pressure sales and take the time to research door-to-door contractors. Trust your gut and if something seems too good to be true, remember that it probably is!
4. Always Do your Research
Even if you decide to work with a contractor recommended by a friend or a company that has been operating locally for some time, you need to do plenty of research to make sure your repairs will be handled properly. You can always find businesses that you trust by searching the Better Business Bureau online and looking at customer reviews. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for proof of insurance when researching contractors.
5. Don’t Sign Over Your Insurance Check
As a good rule of thumb, you should never sign over your insurance checks to a contractor. Instead, request an invoice from them and if possible, pay them directly with a credit card. Credit cards offer additional fraud protections over other common forms of payment, so this is your best bet for secure payments. And finally, avoid signing any documents that give contractors a right to your insurance claims.
Have Questions? Contact Harnish Insurance Group Today
Still unsure which is the best route to go for repairs after braving summer storms? As your trusted local insurance agency, we’re happy to answer any questions about the claims process to make sure your repairs go smoothly. Simply call (480) 839-9077 or contact our friendly and knowledgeable agents online today with your questions. And don’t forget to request your free quote!
