Having homeowners and auto insurance can be expensive, but you’ll certainly be glad you have it in the event that something catastrophic ever happens!

Auto insurance is necessary for virtually everyone, because driving a car is just an inherently risky thing to do. It’s best to be protected! 

And in a state that experiences tornadoes like Arkansas, property damage is a real risk that homeowners have to be prepared for.

What do I do when my property is damaged?

Because experiencing property damage can be incredibly stressful, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the process of what to do– and what not to do!– well before you’ll need to use it.

First, you should prepare yourself and your family for emergencies. 

Make a general plan together, and put together an emergency kit that includes water, blankets, and first aid supplies. There are plenty of resources on the internet to help you determine what to include in your kit.

One of the most important things to include that’s often overlooked: a copy of your insurance policy! 

You should keep a full copy of your insurance policy and other information, like a phone number to reach your insurance agency, in a secure and watertight folder or container.

It’s also important to capture images of the property damage as soon as possible. 

In the event of a disaster, you might not have access to your phone, so including a disposable camera in your emergency kit is a great idea.

When a natural disaster strikes, your first priority should be ensuring that everyone in your family is okay. 

Make sure everyone’s present and uninjured before you proceed, and then do a thorough check for potential hazards, like downed power lines.

Your next step, once it’s safe to do so, is to document the damage your property has incurred as thoroughly as possible. 

Take lots of photos to capture any damage that you can find, and then check out your insurance policy to figure out the exact steps that your insurance agency wants you to take toward filing your property damage claim.

How can I file a property damage claim in Arkansas?

When your property has been damaged, it’s important to file a claim as soon as possible. Holding onto your insurance policy and good contact numbers for your insurance agent or company will help you contact them right away.

If you’re not sure what your policy covers, your insurance agent or a company representative can explain the specifics of your policy to you in order to help you figure out next steps.

In Arkansas, insurance companies are legally required to respond to property damage claims within 15 business days. 

When they do respond, you’ll most likely be provided with a form that will require you to itemize all of the damages to your property.

Just in case, you should always keep a careful record of every interaction you have with your insurance company. 

Make a note of the dates and times you speak with an agent, and when they respond to you.

What should I do if my insurance company doesn’t get back to me, or refuses to cover the damages?

If your insurance company fails to respond within the required amount of time, you’re well within your rights to seek legal counsel.

Additionally, if your insurance company unfairly or illegally denies a claim, it’s definitely time to find an attorney.

At Davidson Law Firm, we fiercely defend our clients. We understand how stressful it is to deal with property damage, and we’re here to help you stand up to your insurance company to get the relief that you need. To get started, just drop us a line or give us a call at our Little Rock, Conway, or Hot Springs locations today.