Updated November 8, 2012
Flood Damage Exclusion Warning
Our Ocean City insurance agents have been urging their customers to access their properties and begin the cleanup and claims process as soon as possible to prevent further damage, especially from mold. Unless you are prevented from entering your property due to the declaration of a civil authority, you could jeopardize coverage for damage under your flood policy, based upon the following policy exclusion:
V. EXCLUSIONS
D. We do not insure for direct physical loss caused directly or indirectly by:
4. Water, moisture, mildew, or mold damage that results primarily from any condition:
b. That is within your control including, but not limited to:
(3) Failure to inspect and maintain the property after a flood recedes.
We know how hard you have worked to achieve the dream of owning a property at the shore, and would not want to see that dream turn into a nightmare. Please, we cannot stress enough how important it is to access your property and begin the cleanup process as soon as possible.
*************
Update information, posted Nov 5, 2012
Sandy has already exceeded the number of reported claims than all flood claims submitted for Hurricane Katrina.
If you have not yet reported your flood claim, please contact your insurance agent today! Many shore points North of Ocean City have not even let their residents back into town. Our local agents are recommending that they get all of our Ocean City claims reported before that happens. Insurance adjusters are in the area now meeting with property owners. Please have a copy of the declaration page of your policy for the adjuster, as they are asking for them. If you have exhausted all efforts, and cannot find your policy, contact your agent to request a copy. Although it is sometimes easier said than done, but please be patient. This is the largest storm the National Flood Insurance Program has ever seen.
Ocean City NJ
Flood Insurance Claims
~Super Storm Sandy~
-
First, report the claim to your insurance agent
-
Take photos of all damaged property, especially any water lines indicating height of flood water on the exterior and in each affected room.
-
It is the responsibility of the the policyholder to protect the property from any further damage.
-
Remove wet carpeting and padding; if they got wet, the sub-flooring is also wet and needs to dry out.
-
Keep a 3×3 foot square of carpet and padding for the adjuster.
-
Cut drywall a few inches above the water line. Once drywall is wet, it is ruined.
-
Insulation in the crawlspace that was damaged needs to be removed.
-
Keep any damaged materials and property so it can be inspected by the insurance adjuster.
-
Separate damaged property from undamaged personal belongings.
-
Place damaged contents in a garage or a safe location as the adjuster needs to see the contents.
DO NOT THROW OUT CONTENTS UNTIL AFTER THE ADJUSTER HAS SEEN EVERYTHING!
IF YOU THROW IT OUT BEFORE THE ADJUSTER CAN SEE IT, THEY CANNOT PAY YOU FOR IT!
-
Inventory your damaged contents and estimate the date purchased and cost.
-
DOCUMENT: Take before and after photos of damage and what you do to clean up and protect against further damage. A verbal statement of what you have done will NOT be enough for the insurance adjuster. You must have documentation. Photos are perfect!
For more information,visit:
www.floodsmart.gov
We are committed to servicing our Ocean City Family Community,
our friends, neighbors, clients and
our rapid recovery effort!~Robert Doliszny, Ocean City Real Estate Group @ Prudential F&R
~Kristina Doliszny, Ocean City Real Estate Group @ Prudential F&R