When it comes to recovery and insurance claims in general, safety must be the top priority.  Before entering your home, make sure it’s safe to do so.  

Important Recovery Tips:

• Document your losses.  When it is safe to do so, make a list of damaged items. Take photos and videos of property and save any damaged items for inspection by your adjuster, if possible. Use a home inventory app like the one found here to create a record of your belongings.
• Make temporary repairs. If you have damage to the exterior of the home, when it is safe to do so, use tarps or boards to make temporary repairs and prevent further damage. Be sure to save all your receipts for potential reimbursement by your insurance company. Many policies pay for hotel stays, food spoilage etc. so check with your agent.
• Beware of fraud. Don’t be pressured into signing documents you don’t understand and don’t pay for work upfront or in full until you are satisfied with the repairs.  Check references to ensure that you are using a licensed, reputable contractor and always get more than one bid on repair projects.

Recovery Resources:

• If you need help finding your company’s insurance claims number, please click here.
• File for FEMA assistance here.
• If you have flood insurance through the NFIP and have flood damage, start your claims process here. For more information, visit: How to File A Claim with the NFIP.
• If you have flood insurance through a private insurer, contact them directly to start your claims process. 
• For SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SC Wind Pool) information, go to scwind.com
• Our Office of Consumer Services is here to help answer your insurance-related questions and help support you in any insurance complaints you may have. You can file an insurance complaint with us here. Contact the Office of Consumer Services at: 

Email: consumers@doi.sc.gov │ Call: 803-737-6180│ Toll-Free: 1-800-768-3467  

Mon -Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Avoid Scams:

Unfortunately, some individuals may try to take advantage of people as they are working to recover. While it is important to always safeguard your personal information, it is especially important following a natural disaster.

• Make sure the contractor you hire for home repairs is legitimate.  Check online reviews and find out if there are complaints against the contractor with the Better Business Bureau.  Ask for references. FEMA does not certify or endorse contractors. Any contractor who claims they are FEMA-certified is lying. Be sure and communicate with your insurance company before starting any work.
• Know the warning signs of a shady business. A reputable business will not pressure you to make a quick decision, nor will it ask you to pay money upfront. If a contractor tries to rush you into making a quick decision, recognize that as a red flag. A reputable contractor will not pressure you. Beware of contractors that go door-to-door trying to get your business. Don’t pay in full upfront. Pay in installments with a check or credit card to leave a record of your payments. Get an invoice and a receipt.  
• Get an estimate from at least three different contractors. An estimate from a contractor that's much lower than any of the others doesn't mean it's the best deal. Make sure all the quotes include the same things, and check references.
• Get a written contract. The contract should include every task and repair the contractor plans to make. It should also include start/finish dates and prices for repairs and materials. Do not sign a blank contract, as a contractor can fill it in later with whatever information they want.   
• Be cautious about signing an assignment of benefits (AOB), an agreement a policyholder signs that allows a third party, such as a contractor or public adjuster, to act on behalf of the insured. AOBs allow direct payment from the insurance company.  
• And finally, before you hire someone, get the following information:  
  • A copy of the contractor’s identification that shows the contractor’s name and business name.
  • A copy of the contractor’s business license. Make sure it is not expired.  
  • A copy of the contractor’s proof of liability insurance. Make sure it shows the company’s name, phone number, and the policy number. Call the insurance company to verify the coverage. 
  • A copy of the contractor’s proof of workers’ compensation insurance.  
  • To report fraud, call 1-800-95-FRAUD or click here.