‘Document everything’: Insurance agent offers tips following tornadoes
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Phones have been ringing nonstop for many insurance agencies as people in areas hard-hit by Tuesday night’s storms begin filing claims.
“Even before the tornado exited the neighborhood that was devastatingly hit, my phone, my personal phone, my business phone has been ringing off the hook as we’ve been trying to help people navigate through this,” said Jaime Flees, owner and agent of The Fleece Agency.
Flees spent most of the day Wednesday visiting neighborhoods and clients who were impacted by four tornadoes that ravaged parts of southwest Michigan.
It’s important for homeowners to protect their property from further damage, but only if it is safe to do so.
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“First and foremost is safety and making sure that they are protected and they’re protecting their home when it’s safe after the storm. So, if you have roof damage and you can get a tarp up there safely to cover it, broken windows or doors just to secure them and finding safety and protecting your belongings and then making the claim. Calling your local agent, calling the claim number,” Flees advised.
Some insurance companies offer an option to file a claim online. It’s also always a good idea to document as much damage as possible and save receipts for anything you purchase.
“Anything that you’re paying before the insurance company gets to you and the adjustor, make sure that you’re documenting. Getting the photos of the damage, getting videos if possible as long as you are safe and keeping any receipt of any item that you spent to secure your home,” Flees said.
Adjustors have been in the field since Wednesday morning, but with the sheer number of calls, Flees said everyone is feeling overwhelmed.
“We’re doing everything. We have people deployed and a contract company so we’re trying to get boots on the ground and an adjustor within 24 to 48 hours, trying to get people connected to their adjustor to get help,” Flees said.
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In the meantime, she’s doing what she can as an agent to answer questions and offer support.
“It’s the community I’ve lived, worked, my friends live in, work in. It is heartbreaking. It’s like yesterday we had a disaster relief truck trying to hand out supplies to people, just trying to be helpful, cause it’s heartbreaking. Their homes, their lives, everything has been taken that they’ve worked so hard for.”
Despite all this, Flees is already seeing the good that can come from a tragedy.
“We can rebuild this and just having the people in the corner and the positivity I have seen of neighbors helping neighbors and everyone who is showing up for these communities is heartwarming.”
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