Whether it’s flood warnings from Tropical Storm Cristobal or a surprise summer tornado, Wisconsinites can expect one thing: The Unexpected. That’s why Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable compiled these helpful ideas for always being prepared.

Don’t forget! Pack your Go-Bag!

Be Prepared Before a Disaster

Forecasts have warned about the risks of torrential rains, flooding, and tornados in parts of Wisconsin due to the remnants of Cristobal. In light of those risks, Insurance Commissioner Mark Afble recently outlined steps people can take in advance of a storm, such as:

1. Ensure you have an updated home inventory prepared in case you want to file a claim
2. Upload a digital copy of your home inventory to the cloud
3. Include a copy of any insurance policy documents in your “go-bag”; you can find tips about what else to include in a “go-bag” by visiting this site from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
4. Consider moving valuable items and important documents to more protected places in your home or to a safe deposit box

Be Prepared After a Disaster

1. Notify your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Make sure you provide a telephone number and/or e-mail address where you can be reached.
2. Make a detailed list of all damaged or lost personal property. It helps to take photos of the damage. Your insurance company will need evidence of the damaged items. Do not throw out any damaged property without your insurance company’s agreement. If local officials require the disposal of damaged items before the insurance company’s claims adjuster can inspect the items, take photos and keep samples of damaged items for the adjuster (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, and chairs).
3. Separate damaged items from undamaged items.
4. Be careful to avoid scams. Take your time, do your homework, and check that all contractors you encounter are licensed and legitimate. If you feel pressure to sign a contract quickly, take a step back, and investigate. Rebuilding your home or business and repairing your car is important, but quickly signing a contract with an unscrupulous party can make a bad situation worse.
5. If you have water damage, check your policy. Most homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding or seepage through the foundation, which is usually covered under separate flood insurance policies.
6. Take measures to protect remaining property, such as making temporary repairs (tarps, plastic sheeting, plywood, etc.) to prevent additional damage.
7. Contact your insurance company again if an adjuster has not been assigned to you within several days.

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has online resources for Wisconsin residents who have questions or would like more information, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide to flood damage, a Consumers Guide to Homeowners Insurance and a Settling Property Insurance Claims guide. Wisconsinites who believe they have been improperly denied insurance coverage should visit OCI’s website to learn more about how to file a complaint.

If you have any further questions, contact your agent or Forward Mutual.