Gas Line Explosion Victims Should Create an Inventory of their Damaged Property
BOSTON – With most residents impacted by the recent gas line explosion returning or back in their homes, the recovery process is underway and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is urging homeowners to work closely with their insurance agent or company to resolve any problems that arise.
“Insurers are diligently helping policyholders rebuild their lives,” said Frank O’Brien, PCI’s vice president of state government relations. “Once you have filed your claim, there are a number of things you can do to help expedite the recovery process. In preparation for your claims adjuster you can photograph the damage and make an inventory of what was lost and damaged. The inventory should include a detailed list of the items with a brief description. If possible include receipts, appraisals, and the age, current value, make, model and serial number of the items. These steps will go a long way in ensuring that you account for all of your insurable assets and speed up the insurance claims process.”
Action Items before the Insurance Claims Adjusters Arrives
- Report all damage to your insurance company or agent as soon as you can in order to settle your claim more quickly and accurately.
- If it is safe to do so, take steps to protect your property from further damage and theft by making emergency repairs. Use plywood, tarps and other materials to cover openings in roofs, walls and windows.
- Keep receipts for anything you buy so you can submit them to your insurance company later.
- Inventory all damaged property, take pictures of the damage and check with your insurance company before throwing away any damaged property. Identify the structural damage to your home and make a list of everything you would like to show the adjuster.
- To settle your claim more quickly and accurately, prepare as much information as possible about your damaged possessions when your insurance adjuster comes to look at your property.
An event like this is very traumatic,” said O’Brien. “Insurers are committed to rebuilding the neighborhoods impacted by the gas line explosions.”.
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