Recently, wildfires have consumed nearly 2,000 square miles of the Panhandle.

Texans affected by the wildfires can visit tfsweb.tamu.edu for safety information and *tdem.texas.gov to report wildfire damages.

*Note: Reporting damages through the TDEM is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency. It does not guarantee disaster assistance.

When a disaster strikes, you will at first be overwhelmed with concern about the welfare of your family, the future of your business, and the seemingly mounting debt. However, the devastation caused by a disaster will raise a number of insurance coverage issues that you will need to address.

Consider the following when it comes time to file and resolve your claim:

After the fire is contained, call your insurance company.

At a minimum, you’ll want to ask:

• What types of damage are covered?
• How long will it take to process my claim?
• Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs?

Make temporary repairs.

While it’s OK to take steps to protect your property from further damage, you should hold off on making extensive permanent repairs until the claims adjuster (a person professionally trained to assess the damage) has visited your business and assessed the damages.  Make sure you save receipts for what you spend on repairs.

Prepare for the adjuster’s visits.

The more information you have about your damaged property ––descriptions of as many items as possible, approximate date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair them––the faster your claim can be settled.

• To substantiate your loss, prepare an inventory of damaged or destroyed items and give a copy to the adjuster, along with copies of any receipts. Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster has visited. You should also consider photographing or videotaping the damage. If your property was destroyed, or you no longer have any records, work from memory.
• Identify structural damage to your business and any supporting structures. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster, such as cracks in the walls and missing roof tiles. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for these inspections.
• Get written bids from licensed contractors. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
• Keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also, keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you and record the names and phone numbers of everyone to whom you speak.

After your claim has been settled and the repair work is underway.

Take the time to re-evaluate your insurance coverage. Was your business adequately insured? Did you have replacement cost coverage for all of your assets? Talk to your insurance agent about possible changes.