HOMEOWNER GUIDE FOR HURRICANE SEASON

The rainy season is here and the Hurricane season starts in a few days so the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), is working in collaboration with a number of related agencies to assist consumers in securing life and property.

In its effort the CAC has developed a series of tips from securing your property to shopping for a disaster. Among them is, how to pick up the pieces after a disaster. The CAC is therefore reminding consumers that while insurance is meant to be an investment solely for the purpose of recovery after damage to health, life and/or property, much of the consumers’ ability to do so is dependent on a clear understanding of the ’fine print’ or hidden costs which is associated with the nature of the industry’s products.

In light of the possibility of missing some important information homeowners should ensure that the policy they choose to purchase state clearly that it covers damages that may occur under specific conditions, such as fire, flood, or earthquake and ensure that it is stated in the policy.

What to do about your property after a disaster:

• In the event of property damage after a hurricane, call your agent or insurance representative and give him/her a description of the damage. Take photos of the damaged areas. These will help you with the claims process and will assist the claims adjuster in the investigation of the damage.

• Insurance experts recommend that consumers insure the contents of their home. Make a detailed list of all damaged and destroyed property. Make two copies of a list of contents - one for yourself and one for the adjuster.

• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed items.

• Make whatever temporary repairs you can to secure your family. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase

• Check with your agent about ‘excesses’ and ‘deductibles’ to ensure that you understand clearly what costs you will bear and what your insurance company should be.

• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

Remember…

• Consumers are encouraged when entering into any agreement, whether it involves millions or ONLY a few thousands of dollars, to pay keen attention to what they are signing.

• Help yourself by becoming familiar with the various features and terminologies of the insurance agreement such as “excess” “average “clause” deductible, etc.

An informed consumer is a powerful consumer and who knows, maybe we can get the industry to make the fine print larger if YOU start asking them to do so!

Tell us what issues you want addressed

Send e-mail to: cacjam@infochan.com or star@gleaner.com

Write to us at: 1B Holborn Road, Kingston 10 Or call us at: 926-1650-2 or toll free 1-888-991-4470, ask for our Information Desk