Important Things To Do After A Property Loss

First and foremost, make sure everyone in your family is safe, and get medical care if anyone has been injured.  Once it is safe to do so, there are some other actions you can take to help us process your claim.

• Contact the local authorities in the event of a theft loss or burglary claim. Obtain an incident report if possible – even if the damage is minor.
• If your home is damaged, take steps to secure it and protect it from further loss or damage. Protect your property by sealing broken windows, putting tarps over cracks or openings in exterior walls or the roof, and do whatever else you can to prevent additional damage.  Keep receipts for any materials you buy; those costs may be reimbursable if you have a covered loss.
• Report the claim by calling your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent’s office or by calling the after-hours claims reporting hotline.
• If your loss is severe or has many rooms affected, start preparing a room-by-room inventory of damages and lost property.  If you have the information, or remember it, include manufacturer names, model numbers, and purchase dates.
• If possible, do not dispose of any damaged items – especially if an item may be responsible for the loss. Examples of this could be a water heater or a stove. If a damaged item has to be disposed of because of personal safety or by order of the authorities, try to document it with photographs first.
• In the event of a widespread catastrophe, begin the process of selecting your contractor. We suggest that you seek out contractors who have a proven track record in your area.  To help ensure that you choose a reliable contractor:
  • Get references from any contractor you interview, and check them.
  • Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information about the contractors you’re considering.
  • Don’t sign a contract until you’ve reviewed it carefully and have agreed to payment terms. Deliver a copy of your contractor’s estimate to your KFB claims representative, who will review it, connect with your contractor to discuss differences and make any appropriate adjustments. Our estimate will be based on typical labor and materials rates in your community.

For more tips on choosing a contractor, click here for helpful information from the the Kentucky Attorney General’s office.