• Documentation is a key factor when filing an insurance claim after a hurricane.furacao image by god85 from Fotolia.com
  
  Hurricane season is all about being prepared, both before a storm arrives and after it has caused damage to your home. A few simple things, which can be done before the season begins, will help when it comes time to file an insurance claim. Remember to document everything during the process, including what was done before the storm.
  
  

Before the Storm

• Prior to hurricane season, do a walk-through of the house and check for anything that may need to be repaired or replaced. Look for loose boards on a fence, loose tiles or shingles on the roof and any trees in the yard that may be overgrown.
  
  During this walk-through, also check to make sure all storm shutters are in working condition and not damaged.
  
  Once items that need fixing are completed, do another walk-through, and this time take a camcorder, camera and notepad. Set both camcorder and camera to indicate the date of filming. Shoot photos and video of everything in the home and jot down on the paper the estimated value of the items.
  
  Take all records collected during that walk-through, put them in an envelope, seal it and place it in a fireproof/waterproof safe in the home or in a safety deposit box at the bank. If evacuating, take all valuables with you, to ensure their safety.
  
  Take the time to call the insurance company to check what's covered by the current policy on the home. This will allow time to make changes and update the plan before a hurricane strikes.
  
  

After the Storm

• Once the storm has passed and it is safe to either return home or head outside, grab the camera, camcorder and notepad once again. Walk through the yard documenting all damage and then do the same in the home. On the notepad write down all items that need to be fixed and decide if it is something that is an easy fix or needs help from a professional.
  
  Have your before and after documentation ready when it's time to meet with the insurance adjuster.
  
  

Make the Claim

• If the damage is worth filing a claim over, call and set an appointment for the adjuster to come to the home. Be patient; everyone else in the area will be doing the same thing. The adjuster will schedule a time to go over paperwork, fill out the claim and walk through the home. At that time, he or she will advise the next step in the process.
  
  It's a bad idea to make claims for a fallen tree in the backyard--if it hasn't damaged a structure--or any other fairly frivolous items. This will only delay other claims, be put on the insurance record and may not be covered after the deductible.