What should you do after a storm? Here’s how to navigate insurance claims for damages

If your home, business, or car was damaged in severe storms that hit the Chicago area Tuesday, there are steps you should take right away to get the recovery process started.

From large hail to damaging winds to devastating tornadoes, damage was reported across several suburbs in the Chicago area and the city itself.

So what can you do?

Here are some steps to take:

• The Illinois Department of Insurance says you should start by calling your insurance company to start a claim. Get the name and contact information for every person you speak with.
• You’ll also want to write down a claim or reference number and ask for a general idea of what your policy will cover so there are no surprises. Coverage details are written into your policy and should be listed in any hard copy you have, or through your account on your insurance company’s website or app.
• If you’re not able to stay in your home due to storm damage, ask if your insurance company covers hotel costs, and for how long. This information should also be written into the terms of your individual policy.
• Be sure to find out what information the insurance company will need to process the claim, for example, a list of damages and receipts and for supplies.
• Immediately—you’ll want to create a list of your property that was damaged. Go room by room and take note of all your damaged belongings. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a “Home Inventory App” that can help you create a record of all of your belongings.