What to do in the event of a property claim:

Transcription

1 What to do in the event of a property claim: The Process of a Property Claim Preventative Measures Required after Sewer Backup Losses Preparations Throughout the Year Restoration Companies Regina Restoration Companies Saskatoon

2 The Process of a Property Claim If you have never filed a property claim it is hard to know what exactly needs to be done. We are here to help you every step of the way. What do I do if I have a Property Insurance Claim? The first thing to do is to notify us as soon as you suffer a loss of personal property (loss of anything you own besides a vehicle or part of a vehicle.) We have all of the information about your insurance coverage and we will take down a detailed record of the claim you are filing. From there we take your information and report it to the insurance company. An adjuster will then contact you in order to inspect the damage. We find that in most cases you can expect to hear from the adjuster within hours of the claim being reported. What do I do after my claim is reported to the company? The next step for you in this process is to prevent further damage to your property. This could be by covering broken windows, securing broken doors, etc. It all depends what your claim is, and please feel free to ask our advice with this step. By protecting your property against further damage you will not hinder the settlement of your claim. However, we want to remind you not to throw away any of your damaged property before the adjuster arrives. The adjuster needs to see the full extent of the damage so he or she can make an accurate calculation of your loss. Depending on your claim you might need to start cleanup before the adjuster calls you. In this case make sure you take extensive photos and record a list of all of the property that has been damaged as well as the cost to replace each item. The adjuster will require a complete schedule of the loss to settle the claim. 2

3 Home Inventory or Record of Belongings It is always a good idea to have a record of all of the property you own. With the stress at the time of loss it is often difficult to remember everything. We recommend making a list prior to an incident on paper or the computer, or even creating a catalogue made by taking photos of each room in your home. This could save you time during the claims process. It is also a good idea to keep your list/photos in a safe place other than your home. This way if you suffer a total loss the list is not destroyed along with everything else. We would be happy to keep a copy of your list/photos on your file so that if you do have a loss we can easily send your adjuster a copy. Another good option would be to store the list in a safety deposit box. What should I do in an emergency? Losses can strike at any time - including after regular working hours. If you are ever in that situation and need to report a claim you can call one of the following emergency claim numbers: Jason Galon Laurie Mayes Keeping your property safe It is your responsibility to keep your property safe and prevent further damages. For example, if your belongings have been damaged in a storm you may have to cover them or move them somewhere safe until the adjuster arrives. The insurance company may not pay for damages that occur after the original damage has been done. 3

4 Keeping your insurance costs down You can help prevent losses and keep your insurance costs affordable with simple measures such as securing your home with sturdy locks and making sure your basement sump pump works. Loss prevention is about avoiding claims, which in turn rewards you with lower rates. Service you can trust Our staff is dedicated to providing customer service that is fast, efficient, and above all, courteous. We are continually working to improve our customer service. If you have any questions or comments concerning the service you received we want to hear from you. Please call us at or send an to 4

5 Preventative Measures Required After Sewer Backup Losses 1) Installation of Weeping Tile Dwellings built after 1960 tend to already have weeping tile installed The weeping tile should be drained into a sump pit in the basement 2) Disconnecting Downspouts that are connected to the dwelling s interior plumbing system Disconnecting downspouts from the plumbing system inside the dwelling and diverting them away from the foundation is the simplest and most effective preventative measure to reduce potential damage Should be 6-8 feet away from the dwelling 3) Installation of Sump Pump and Pit Consists of: o Sump Pit - set into the basement floor & collects water from weeping tile o Sump Pump - discharges the water out of the pit o Pump Discharge Pipe - releases the water from the sump pump into the sanitary system or outside of the dwelling 5

6 - it is recommended that the water is pumped outside of the dwelling Unless being serviced, always keep the sump pump plugged in & the dedicated circuit breaker on 4) Installation of a Backwater Valve A backwater valve is designed to block drain pipes temporarily to prevent flow into the dwelling It is installed in the dwelling s sewer line close to where it leaves the dwelling to allow drainage in one direction only Hand operated valves or plugs are not a reliable and are not recommend They only help prevent backup if the valve is closed BEFORE the main sewer backs up All backwater valves must be installed by a certified plumber When the valve is closed, water from inside of the dwelling cannot be discharged either, any appliance that releases water should not be used (toilet, sink, shower, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.) 5) Sewer Caps Keep on all basement sewer outlets during rainstorm (floor drain, washer stack, sump hole, etc.) 6

7 CLEAN UP AFTER A LOSS Clean up as soon as possible Do not touch any electrical system or panels until you know it is safe to do so Move damaged belongings to a dry area with good ventilation Dispose of anything that has been contaminated by Sewer Backup that might be a health hazard Make a detailed list of everything and take several photos or videotape to assist in the settlement of the claim Have appliances (including furnace) checked by a professional Disinfect all articles that have come in contact with flood or sewer water Use a stiff broom or brush to remove mud or sludge Let rooms dry thoroughly before cleaning and repainting Sweep the worst of dirt from rugs and carpets using a broom, then clean using a good rug shampoo containing disinfectant Remove drawers from furniture before the wood swells, dry furniture slowly, away from direct heat or sunlight to avoid warping Move upholstered furniture outdoors to air. When dry, vacuum thoroughly and then use a good shampoo with disinfectant Dry all books and papers slowly, away from direct heat or sun Wash clothes several times, adding bleach or disinfectant to the wash cycle if the fabric permits. 7

8 Operation of Backwater Valve

9 Preparations throughout the Year Winter Season Winter is the time of year when a nice vacation somewhere warm is appealing. Whether you are a snowbird, if you just like to get away in the winter, or even if you are someone who braves our Saskatchewan winters, remember it is important to prepare your premises for the season: v Keep all of your sidewalks clear of ice and snow to prevent anyone from getting hurt. v If you have a fireplace in your dwelling you need to install a carbon monoxide detector. v Note: If you use a wood burning stove to heat your dwelling you must report this information to the insurance company. The stove must be installed professionally by a qualified technician the stove must also be ULC/CSA approved. If you obtain a W.E.T.T (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) Inspection you may be eligible for a reduced surcharge to your premiums. If you are away from your premises for more than 4 consecutive days; v In order to have freezing of pipes covered during the normal heating season you must do one of three things.. 1) Have a reliable, competent person check your home daily.. 2) Shut off the water supply and drain all the appliances and fixtures.. 3) Have a low temperature signal hooked up to your 24 hour centrally monitored alarm. 9

10 Spring Season Spring is in and winter is out, but the spring season comes with a lot of storms. Be prepared for our active weather in Saskatchewan: v Make sure that snow is not built up around your dwelling as this will prevent water seepage as the snow melts. v Avoid ice dams by using a roof rake to remove snow from your roof. DO NOT go up onto your roof hire a professional if needed. Keep gutters and downspouts free of snow and ice to allow drainage. v Do some yard cleanup and make sure all sidewalks and pathways are clear of debris v Prepare for rainstorms and ensure your downspouts are down and placed 6-8 feet away from the house. NOTE: If your downspouts drain directly in the basement sewer drain they must be removed and placed to the outside of the dwelling. v During a rainstorm it is very easy to have a Sewer Backup claim. Therefore, it is very important that you Do Not run water while it is raining. Doing laundry, doing dishes or even running the shower could cause the sewer line to get overloaded with water, which in turn causes the sewage to back up into your home. Summer Season Summer is in the air and the warm weather has finally come. On those very hot Saskatchewan summer days, your cabin or the beach is always a nice getaway. When you leave your home remember to prepare your home for your absence: 10

11 v Whenever you leave your home for a vacation, whether for a few days or weeks, remember to shut off your water and drain all of your pipes to prevent unexpected water damage. v Swimming is always a great way to cool down in the heat. If your property has a swimming pool make sure that all safety precautions are taken. This is to ensure no one will get injured. v Fishing is a great summer pastime. If you own any type of Watercraft make sure you have adequate physical damage and liability coverage. Your home insurance does not automatically provide coverage for any watercrafts. Please note that in order to operate any motorized watercraft in Saskatchewan you must hold a Pleasure craft operator license. Fall Season Summer Season is coming to an end and Old Man Winter is on his way. Prepare your property for the upcoming cold season: v When the cold comes, do not be left unprepared, have a certified furnace technician come out and inspect your furnace to make sure it is in good working order. You do not want your furnace to quit working during this cold season. v Clean out your eavestroughs of any debris. This will prevent water buildup in the spring when the snow starts to melt. This will also ensure that when water drains from your roof, it will drain away from your home and will not seep into your basement. 11

12 Restoration Companies Regina D3 Restoration & Renovation Business number: (306) Derek Williams: (306) Darrell Stasuik: (306) Dan Morin: (306) Regina, Saskatchewan Restorex Saskatchewan Ltd Toll Free: 1(888) Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: 1465 McDonald Street, Regina Lydale Construction Co Ltd. Toll Free: 1 (877) Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: 1820 Ross Avenue, Regina 12

13 ServiceMaster Restore For immediate help: (866) Phone: (306) Website: Address: 1312 Lorne Street, Regina Medius Restoration Services Toll Free: (800) Phone number: (306) Website: Address: 1869 MacKay Street, Regina First General Services - Cameo Emergency Phone: 1 (877) Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: 1735 MacKay Street, Regina 13

14 PHS Disaster Services Toll Free: 1 (877) Phone number: (306) : Fax: (306) Website: Address: 1642 G McDonald Street, Regina Winmar Regina Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: 305 Dewdney Avenue East, Regina Solaris Restoration Services Phone number: (306) Address: Great Plains Road, Regina 14

15 Restoration Companies Saskatoon Rapid Response Restorations Emergency Line: 1(306) Phone number: (306) Address: th Street West, Saskatoon Lydale Construction Co Ltd. Toll Free: 1 (877) Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: th Street East, Saskatoon ServiceMaster Restore For immediate help: (866) Phone: (306) svmr@sasktel.net Website: Address: 2233 Speers Avenue, Saskatoon 15

16 First General Services - Cameo Emergency Phone: 1 (877) Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: th Street East, Saskatoon Saskatoon Disaster Service Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) contact@saskdisaster.com Website: Address: 1735 Alberta Avenue, Saskatoon Winmar Saskatoon Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: th Street East, Saskatoon 16

17 Brothers in Grime Cleaning & Restoration Inc. Toll Free: 1 (866) Phone number: (306) or (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: Arthur Rose Avenue, Saskatoon Paul Davis Systems Restoration Specialists Toll Free: 1 (800) Phone number: (306) Fax: (306) Website: Address: st Avenue North, Saskatoon 17