How to Deal with Fence Damage and Insurance Claims after a Hurricane
Living in a hurricane-prone area like central Florida, it’s important that you know how to prepare and protect your property during and after the storm. One of the most vulnerable structures in your home is your fence. Strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause damage to your fence, leaving it weak and unstable. In this post, we will provide you with detailed steps that you can take after a hurricane to assess fence damage, file insurance claims, and get the right help you need to repair or replace your fence.
Step 1: Assess the damage
The first thing you need to do after a hurricane is to inspect your fence and assess the damage. Look for any cracks, broken boards, or leaning posts. If possible, take pictures of the damage for reference when you file your insurance claim. However, make sure that you document the damage before you start making any temporary repairs.
Step 2: Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to report the damages to your fence. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to review the situation and inspect the damage. It’s recommended to provide your adjuster with a detailed report of the damage, including pictures and a description of what happened, before and after the hurricane. Your adjuster will determine the cost of repairs or replacement and advise you on what your policy covers.
Step 3: Hire a public adjuster
Consider hiring a public adjuster, especially if you feel that the insurance adjuster’s decision is not to your best interest. A public adjuster can review your policy, assess the damage, and negotiate with your insurance provider to help you get the best possible settlement. Public adjusters are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who can help ensure that you are getting what you deserve from your insurance company.
Step 4: Repair or replace the fence
Once you have received a settlement from your insurance company, you can determine whether to repair or replace your fence. Depending on the damage, repairing your fence might be a less expensive option. However, it’s important to assess the extent of the damage before making a decision. You should also consider the longevity of the repair, as a temporary fix might not be worth the trouble. If replacement is the better option, make sure to hire trusted professionals who will use high-quality materials to ensure the longevity and durability of the fence.
Step 5: Prevent future damage
Finally, when you have repaired or replaced your fence, make sure to take steps to prevent future damage. You can install hurricane straps, which can reinforce your fence posts and prevent them from bowing or bending during future storms. You can also plant windbreaks or trees around your property, which can help reduce wind speed and prevent debris from hitting your fence.
Conclusion
Dealing with fence damage after a hurricane can be overwhelming, but by following these steps, you can navigate the process and get your property back in shape in no time. Remember the importance of assessing the damage, contacting your insurance company, hiring a public adjuster, repairing or replacing your fence, and taking steps to prevent future damage. It’s also important to choose a trusted and experienced company like Ultra Property Damage to help you with your insurance claims and fence repairs.