Farm Bureau Insurance® claims adjusters are assessing damage from Hurricane Helene across the state and assisting policyholders impacted by the storm. Adjusters are working as quickly as possible while facing an unprecedented number of downed trees and power lines making it difficult to reach some in the hardest-hit counties.
“We’ve had adjusters in the field since last Saturday after the storm passed working to process claims as soon as roadways were cleared,” Johnny Booth, vice president of claims, said. “Monday additional Farm Bureau Insurance adjusters arrived from Louisiana to assist us, and we are expecting more from other states to arrive in the coming days and weeks.”
If you have storm damage and you have not yet met with your insurance adjuster, keep the following tips in mind:
• Take photos to document any damage before you begin cleaning up and share those photos with the adjuster when they arrive.
• If your roof is damaged, make temporary repairs if you can safely do so. Be sure to save all receipts for the repairs.
• Make a list of any damaged items that will need to be replaced or repaired. Include receipts or photographs of the items.
• Repair scams are common after natural disasters. If you hire someone to make repairs, it’s best to deal with a local contractor and make sure you are dealing with a reliable, licensed professional. Ask for and verify references.
• Before signing any agreement authorizing work, read the agreement carefully to understand what you will receive or if there are any provisions that may impact your insurance company’s ability to work directly with you. Before agreeing to any work, it’s best to give your insurance company a call.
• While price fluctuations are common after a disaster, if you suspect price gouging you can report the business to the South Carolina Attorney General to determine if the state’s price gouging laws have been violated.
Farm Bureau Insurance policyholders with storm claims can report damage by calling 1.800.799.7500, by going online to www.SCFBIns.com, or by using the Farm Bureau Insurance MOBILE agent app.
