Spring storms, characterized by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes, pose significant risks to homes and properties. From water damage to wind-related destruction, these seasonal hazards can lead to substantial financial losses.

A fundamental step in preparing for spring storms is reviewing your homeowners policy and initiating a conversation with your licensed insurance agent to scrutinize the coverage. This review should encompass the types and amounts of coverage in place, verifying they align with the potential risks associated with spring storms, and ensuring an understanding of the policy terms, exclusions, and limitations.

The Iowa Insurance Division is encouraging Iowans to follow these eight tips in the event that their property is damaged in a storm:

If your property has been damaged by a storm and you believe the damage is over your deductible, contact your insurance agent or insurance company to file an insurance claim. Your insurer will inspect and provide you with an estimate of the repairs it believes are needed and covered by your policy.

Take the time to properly vet any contractor you may need to hire. This includes making sure they are registered with the State of Iowa. Ask for references and be sure to call them, check them out online, and read the reviews. You can also ask the Better Business Bureau and the Iowa Attorney General Office if there have been any complaints filed against them. The best thing to do is work with a contractor that you know and trust. The person knocking on your door immediately following a storm might not have your best interests in mind.

Understand the difference between “licensed” and “registered.” The difference is important. A licensed contractor has passed exams and met other requirements to show that they are competent. A registered contractor has only provided their contact information to a government authority.

Get a written estimate from at least three different contractors. A price estimate from a contractor that is much lower than others doesn’t mean it is the best deal. Make sure all the estimates include the same scope of work.

Before hiring a contractor or remediation company, determine and understand what your insurance carrier will be covering/paying. Discuss the actual cost of the services provided by the provider and compare them to those on the insurance company estimate.

Get a written contract. The contract should include every task and repair the contractor plans to make. It should also include start and finish dates, and prices for repairs and materials. Never sign a blank contract, as a contractor can fill it in later with whatever information they want.

Be very cautious about signing an assignment of benefits (AOB). An AOB is an agreement a policyholder signs that allows direct payment from the insurance company to the contractor or third-party, without involving or getting payment authorization from the insured property owner. This type of language may be in the contract.

Never pay in full up front. Pay in installments with a check or credit card to leave a record of your payments. Get an invoice and a receipt for each payment. Don’t pay for materials until those materials are at your residence or job site. Work with your mortgage lender as their name will be listed on the insurance claim payments.

A spring checkup of your homeowner’s policy, and a collaboration with your insurance agent is pivotal in ensuring that the right amount and types of coverage are in place to protect against the financial aftermath of spring storms.

In the event that your property in damaged, we recommend that you follow the eight tips listed above, but we also encourage Iowans to visit the Iowa Insurance Division’s Post Disaster Resources page where you will find a number of resources including our Post-Disaster Claims Guide and Complaint form.