After Winter Storms, Have Info Ready for Home Insurance Company

Suffering property damage from a winter storm can take a heavy financial and emotional toll on homeowners. However, they can make things easier on themselves by staying prepared through the winter should the need to file claims with one's home insurance company arise.

With that in mind, New York's state insurance office recently offered consumers some tips on how to be prepared in the event of damage from snowstorms, ice and other weather.

According to state Insurance Superintendent James Wrynn, people should photograph or videotape the full extent of property damage they may have suffered, and they should make any needed short-term repairs to prevent more extensive damage from being done. Examples include covering broken windows and leaky roofs.

Homeowners should also keep all receipts associated with repairs, and they should hang on to any damaged personal property until after the insurance settlement goes through. Claims should also be submitted in writing and as soon as possible after the damage occurs.

Winter brings unpredictable weather and an increased risk of property damage, but people who remain ready to deal with their home insurance company at a moment's notice can minimize many of the associated headaches of the season.

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