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Tornado Damage Claim Assistance

Posted by Joe Brennan | Posted in Homeowners Insurance, Independent Appraiser, Insurance Advice, Insurance Claims Help, Insurance Dispute | Posted on 05-04-2011

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Tornado Damage Claim AssistanceTornado Damage Claim Assistance (NC, SC, VA, GA, AL, MS):   Early spring and summer season thunder storms will frequently cause tornado damage claims throughout many southeast US states. Most recently, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia suffered overwhelming destruction on April 28, 2011 and April 16, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers are out to those who have suffered damages and loss of life during such a difficult time. As of noon on April 17, 2011, 22 deaths are confirmed from 62 tornadoes, in 20 counties in NC alone. Not to mention the horrific death toll that continues to rise from the April 28, 2011 storms… 335+. It’s heartbreaking.

Tornado Damage Claims

As if suffering from a devastating tornado and tornado damage claims isn’t bad enough, an additional catastrophe can be dealing with the short falls of your insurance company. During a television interview even an insurance company adjuster advised that much of the tornado damage claims caused by windstorms and tornadic activities are often overlooked. Policyholders should educate themselves and seek tornado damage claims assistance regarding the diverse damages to be on the lookout for. Not to mention how to detect subtle damages which will be very costly and can show up many months or years after the high winds from the tornado are long gone.

Unfortunate policyholders who have found themselves in the vicinity of a tornado that cause tornado damage claims agree that most of the damage is not that  difficult to see. Even though most people will agree to such facts about tornado damage claims, many insurance companies and engineers often will miss unseen or hidden damages, because they fail to closely inspect your property for associated damages.

A thorough wind damage inspection by an insurance claim consultant or independent insurance appraiser is suggested. Far too many people take their insurance adjusters opinion, without obtaining the opinion of another professional. Why do policyholders continue to allow such a thing to happen? Most believe that the insurance company is there to support them after they suffer from tornado damage claims. However, you are at the mercy of the adjuster that visits your home, as well as the file reviewer at the insurance company. Are they structure experts? Not likely! Protect yourself and your investment by knowing these worthwhile  tornado damage claims inspection tips.

Tornado Damage Claims Tips:

Plumbing: Windstorms will rack or shake a home or building. Policyholders should open all faucets in kitchens and baths, then open and inspect all cabinets to check the plumbing lines for leaks. Continue by flushing all toilets, run showers and fill all bathtubs with water. Investigate the ceilings below these areas for water marks .

Roofing/Siding: Sometimes an insurance damage claim that’s a result of high winds may not have appeared to damage the roof from the ground. However, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the roof for cracks, gouges or tears that affect the roof tabs from flying debris. Tornadoes or high wind activity will also rip, tear, and crack many types of siding. Such affects on the siding and roof can often allow water entry.

Windows & Gutters: Wind activity and flying debris will often damage window glass, rip screening, crack shutters, and detach or dent gutters.

Brick & Foundations: Inspect masonry for splits and separation. Property damage by tornadoes or windstorms can also cause displacement and uplift to footings and foundations. View the perimeter of all crawlspaces. Severe structural damages can occasionally remain unseen.

Interior: Extreme storms can cause splitting to the corners of walls. Such stress cracking can also be seen around doors and window openings. It’s a good idea to check for shifting of flooring and the movement of walls using a level. In the following weeks and months it’s also highly recommended to look out for water stains and mold on walls and ceilings. Such stains could indicate missed roof damage .

Insurance companies and many engineering firms have even been sued for their failure to recognize these types of property damage claims  after excessive wind activity and tornadoes.

CNN reports State Farm Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Damage Claims :

State Farm acted “recklessly” and “with malice” in handling insurance claims from dozens of families whose homes were damaged when a wave of tornadoes, including the strongest in recorded history, swept through Oklahoma in 1999, a jury has decided. The verdict…delivered millions to the lead plaintiffs… The jury in the District Court of Grady County, Oklahoma, awarded Donald and Bridget Watkins almost $13 million in total damages for their part in the class action suit against the nation’s largest insurer….

We are all well aware that windstorms involving a tornado will result in damaging winds. Even tornadoes that do not actually “touch-down” will often cause severe pressure on residential and commercial structures. Extreme winds will often push and pull on the buildings causing fasteners and building parts to become damaged.

Above all, as stated, call an insurance loss consultant or independent insurance appraiser to inspect your home or building and be sure your family is safe. Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to obtain FREE Insurance Advice… especially if you suspect that you are not be treated fairly for the tornado damage claims insurance coverage you have paid for. Tornado Damage Claim Assistance is available for anyone who has, or knows anyone who has suffered from tornado damage claims.

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(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Advice and Insurance Claim Consulting Services.

Insurance Claims Group, Inc.
Joe Brennan
Ph: 919-669-9111
Fx: 919-573-9595
info@insuranceclaimsgroup.com

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