It’s wonderful to own a vacation home, but the worry of something happening to it while you’re away can be ever present. While we hope that never happens, unfortunately there may come a time when your second home is damaged due to natural calamities or unforeseen accidents. The damage could be due to fire, flooding, lightning strikes, vandalism, or anything else that’s beyond your control. This can be a devastating experience, but knowing how to react to the situation can save you a lot of additional grief. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on what to do if your vacation home is damaged.
SAFELY ASSESS AND DOCUMENT
Your first step should be to safely assess the damage to your vacation home. Do not put yourself in danger if it’s unsafe to check out the property, but rather try within reason to record an accurate description of what you see. Taking photos and videos is a must. If you are unable to get to your home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend if they can stop by to take photos and videos for you. The sooner you are able to provide evidence of the damage to your insurance provider, the better.
CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER
The first thing you should do after assessing the damage is to contact your insurance agent. If you have a vacation home insurance policy, it’s important to report the damage as soon as possible. Your insurance agent will assess the damage and guide you through the claims process with your provider. Ensure that you have your policy number, a description of the damage, and photographs or video evidence of the damage ready when you call your agent.
MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS
After reporting the damage, you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the property. If it’s something minor like a broken window or a damaged roof, you can make the necessary repairs yourself. However, if the damage is extensive, it’s always best to hire a professional contractor. In most cases, insurance companies won’t pay for repairs that are made without their consent.
DOCUMENT ALL COSTS
It’s important to keep track of all the costs incurred during the repair process. This includes receipts for materials, labor, and any other expenses related to the repair. This information will be needed when you file your insurance claim. You can also take photographs of the damage before and after repairs to show the insurance adjuster.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER
After you report the damage and file your claim, it’s important to keep in touch with your insurance agent. They will be working with your insurance provider on your behalf and may need additional information or require you to provide other documentation. Stay in contact with your insurance agent on a regular basis to ensure that your claim is being processed smoothly.
PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE
Once your vacation home is back to its original state, take steps to prevent future damage. You can install security systems to prevent break-ins or invest in fire prevention systems to minimize the risk of fires. Your insurance provider can provide valuable advice on how to protect your vacation home from future damage.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT WITH CABINQUOTE
Damages to your vacation home can be devastating, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your vacation home is repaired quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, make sure you have vacation home insurance in place to protect your investment. At CabinQuote, we offer insurance for vacation homes, including rental income properties, around Sevierville, Tennessee. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our insurance policies.