Tennessee Residents Affected by Wildfire Should Contact Their Insurer for Immediate Help
As residents forced to evacuate wildfire areas begin to return home, the
"Our thoughts are with those who've been impacted by these deadly fires," said
Insurers have deployed emergency response teams to the affected areas. Insurers along with representatives of various state agencies have established a coordination center for residents at Boyd's Bear Country,
While the recent rainfall helped to contain some of the fires, drought conditions continue to exist and the threat of fire remains. This week's major wildfires serve as a reminder to all homeowners and renters to take a "Wildfire Reality Check" and ensure both your finances and property are prepared for wildfires.
Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery Information:
- Read and understand your insurance policy. The typical homeowners policy covers damage caused by wind, fire and lightning. Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers damage or destruction to a vehicle from a fire.
- Review your insurance policy regularly with your insurance company or agent. If you have recently remodeled or built a new addition onto your property, be sure to increase the amount of protection to cover the upgraded materials or expanded square footage. Talk about types of insurance policies and learn the difference between a replacement cost policy, which generally provides for the repair or replacement of damaged covered personal property items, and an actual cash value policy, that will only provide reimbursement for the depreciated value of the covered personal property item. Decide which type of policy best fits your needs, and maintain adequate insurance, because once a wildfire turns into a fire storm there is little that can be done to halt its path of destruction. Make sure your policy reflects the right amount of square footage.
- Create and keep an inventory of your personal items and photograph or videotape them for documentation and claims purposes. Be specific: document how many TVs, computers, sets of towels and sheets, and other items you have. The more detail you record, the easier recovery will be. Keep receipts for major purchases and keep records of the age, current value, make, model and serial number of your personal property. Keep your inventory and a copy of your insurance policy at another location.
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[Category: Insurance]
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