Storms can cause considerable damage to your home. It is essential to know the steps to follow to report a claim to your home insurer and thus obtain appropriate compensation. In this article, we guide you step by step to make this declaration in the best possible conditions.
Find out about your home insurance contract
First of all, you should check the guarantees provided in your home insurance contract. Indeed, storm damage coverage may vary from one contract to another depending on the options subscribed. It is therefore essential to ensure that your home insurance contract provides coverage in the event of losses.
- The “storm” guarantee: it covers material damage caused directly by the wind during a storm (for example, damaged roof).
- The “electrical damage” guarantee: it covers the consequences of an overvoltage due to lightning or a storm. This guarantee generally covers electrical and electronic devices present in the home.
- The “glass breakage” guarantee: this covers damage caused to windows, bay windows, verandas and other glazed elements, following an impact caused by the storm.
- The “floods and mudslides” guarantee: it covers damage caused by heavy rain or flooding following the storm.
Therefore, check your contract carefully to find out all the guarantees taken out and determine whether your damage falls within their scope of action.
The steps prior to reporting a claim
1. Secure the premises
After the storm, it is essential to ensure that the damage does not worsen. To do this, take all necessary measures to protect your home and limit damage:
- Close shutters and doors to prevent possible water intrusion in the event of further bad weather.
- Cover or temporarily seal broken glass or openings caused by the storm.
- Unplug damaged electrical appliances to avoid the risk of fire.
2. Gather evidence of damage
Take some pictures damage to your home, both inside and outside. These photos will constitute evidence when reporting the claim to your home insurance. Also consider gathering the invoices date of purchase of the damaged goods, as well as their date of acquisition.
Make the claim declaration
Once the preliminary steps have been completed, it is time to report the claim to your insurer. According to article L113-2 of the Insurance Code, you have a deadline of 5 working days after the occurrence of the disaster to do so. This declaration can be made by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, by telephone, online or directly in agency.
Elements to provide when making the declaration
Your declaration must contain several pieces of information:
- Your contact details (surname, first name, address, insurance contract number).
- The date and time of the storm that caused the damage.
- A precise description of the damage suffered, accompanied by photos taken and possibly a quantified list of damaged goods.
Please remember to keep a copy of this declaration as well as all the accompanying documents, these may be useful to you throughout the compensation procedure.
Continuation of the compensation procedure
Following the declaration of the loss, your insurer will send you an acknowledgment of receipt and then contact you to assess the damage. This assessment can be carried out by an expert mandated by the insurance or, in certain cases, directly by the insurer.
Depending on the guarantees taken out and the assessment of the damage, your home insurance will offer you compensation. It is important to check that this corresponds to the amounts provided for in your contract and the damage suffered. Do not hesitate to negotiate with your insurer if necessary.
By following these steps, you put all the chances on your side to obtain rapid compensation adapted to your needs following a storm-related loss.
