STEPS TO TAKE TO AVOID LOSING HURRICANE KATRINA INSURANCE CLAIM BENEFITS Property insurance generally covers physical damage to covered property, subject to the exclusions and conditions of the policy. Some of the steps you should probably take in presenting your property insurance claim are the following: Look for insurance policies and related insurance records. If you cannot find the policies, call your insurance company or insurance agent to request a copy;  Give notice to your insurance agent and company or companies immediately, preferably in writing. Notice should include at least the name and address of the insured, the location of loss, the date and time of the loss, the contact name, phone and fax number and a brief description of the loss; Prepare a home inventory of damaged or destroyed items; Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises; Get written bids from reliable, licensed contractors on the repair work; Prepare a Proof of Loss after checking with your insurance company for the information that will be required for submitting a Proof of Loss; Collect photos and/or videos as proof of hurricane damage; Submit the proof of loss, photos, and reports to the insurance company; Assist in the insurance company’s investigation. You may be required to give the insurance company a sworn statement, show the property to the insurance company, take reasonable steps to protect the property and cooperate with the insurance company’s investigation; Keep copies of all documents you submit to your insurance company; Read all checks and drafts on both sides before depositing or cashing them.  Don't accept any checks with words like "full" or "final" "settlement" on them. Do not sign any "release" or "waiver" forms without getting advice from an experienced attorney.  You do not have to sign away any rights to get a fair insurance payment. Do not agree with the estimate your insurance company adjuster provides until you know how much money it will really cost to repair your damaged property.  Insurance adjusters usually use standardized software to adjust property damage claims.  The price lists used with the software often fail to reflect current post hurricane market conditions (shortages in labor and materials). Be aware of potential hidden mold damage.  Consider having an expert inspect your property for mold as it can cause upper respiratory infections, allergies and other adverse health effects.  Many insurance policies have special provisions relating to mold damage, so read your policy very carefully. Many storm victims have property damaged both by wind and flood.  Most homeowners insurance policies exclude flood damage.  Some homeowners insurance adjusters are trying to attribute all of the damage at a flooded property to the flood.  However, you can take steps to establish your property suffered both wind and flood damage.  Feel free to call our office for more information. Call Lavis Law Firm to help you get the money you deserve. Simply submit our online form for a free evaluation of your hurricane insurance claim or, if you prefer, you may contact us at 504-834-4000 or at toll free 1-866-558-9151.  There is no cost and no obligation. We probably can secure enough money from your insurance company to cover our fees and still increase your recovery beyond what you would have received on your own.  You may be facing important deadlines, therefore you should not delay.