Do's and dont's: Wading through insurance after a storm

Prior Lake American

Being a homeowner comes with risks — floods, fires, crime, tornadoes and a whole host of other factors that can damage a house.

For these reasons, understanding homeowner's insurance can be essential once disaster or misfortune strikes.

Prior Lake resident Chris Pape went through — and is still going through — the insurance claim process from damage to his home from a hail storm in July.

"It's not like we have a hole in the roof or anything — it's still very complicated," Pape said. "I can only imagine what it's like to have your house ripped from you and then you have to deal with this.

The most important thing is understanding the coverage a policy provides. Many homeowners are buying insurance online nowadays and pick what's cheapest, rather than what's best for their home, Shakopee American Family Insurance agent Craig Swenson said.

"I know budget is super important, especially with first-time home buyers, but it's important to understand you are purchasing protection on your six-figure investment," Swenson said. "When those customers come to me and don't understand their coverage, I'm like, 'holy crap,' because there are gaps in coverage."

In Pape's case, the gap was that his policy covered vinyl and aluminum siding, but his house has steel siding.

"Before something happens, stay on top of it," said Tucker Larson, who is a representative with the Erik Westrum State Farm Insurance agency in Prior Lake. "If you're not properly covered for something, you're going to run into issues."

Pape said it's important to find a good agent.

"Finding a good agent is kind of like finding a good employee," Pape said. "Your insurance is only as good as your agent working for you."

Once you have an agent, try to involve them as much as possible in understanding your policy and claims process, Larson said.

"Continue to have regular meetings with your insurance agent — we're here to help," Larson said. "If you're confused, tell your insurance agent you're confused. They will stick with you until you understand it. Just keep your insurance agent in the know of what's going on."

If possible, try to document the damage as it's happening to send to the insurance company, Pape said.

"I thought it was smart taking pictures after, but it's actually better if you can take pictures as it's happening," Pape said. "I would take a step further to take pictures of the neighborhood of the way the damage was to prove the direction of the storm."

Remain involved throughout the entire process and be your own advocate, as well as research into how your particular policy and company works, Pape said.

"There's more to know about than your policy — it's good to educate yourself about how the claim process works," Pape said. "Maybe ask your agent at the time of getting a new policy how each agency handles their claims."

Agents jump at the opportunity to have meetings and educate their customers, Larson said.

"As a homeowner, have the initiative to reach our to your agent," Larson said. "Whenever you have a question, write it down. When you have a few questions and it's urgent, set up a meeting — agents love to be able to set up a meeting and sit down and go over a policy."