Storm damage generic

AAA is offering help to Tennessee residents who were affected by the severe weather overnight.

The club is offering advice for filing insurance claims, reporting or avoiding fraud, hiring reliable contractors, and other ways to keep storm victims from becoming a scam victims.

Filing an insurance claim

  • Residents who suffered wind damage to their home would need to file a claim through their homeowner’s policy, in most cases.
  • Residents with damage to their vehicle would file with their auto insurance provider.
  • This type of damage normally falls under what’s called “comprehensive” coverage.
  • To file claims, residents should contact their insurance provider directly.

Rebuilding or repairing your home

Dishonest contractors may try to pocket more profit by:

  • Accepting payment then never completing (or even showing up for) the job.
  • Using inferior materials or performing shoddy work that’s not up to code.

Tips to avoid fraud after a catastrophe:

  • Work with your insurance provider
  • Call your insurance company first if you think you might have damage from a storm or other disaster.
  • Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurer.
  • Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
  • Be on the lookout for people calling and saying they are with a national carrier. Do not provide any personal information over the phone without them first confirming a claim number. If something sounds fishy, report it to your insurance company immediately.
  • Note that insurance carriers will never ask you to pay your deductible up front or over the phone.

Tips for hiring a contractor:

  • Get more than one estimate.
  • Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
  • Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
  • Request references and check them.
  • Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license, write down the license number and their vehicle’s license plate number.
  • Contract terms including cost, time schedules, payment schedules, guarantees, work to be done, and other expectations should be detailed in writing.
  • Never sign a contract with blanks.
  • Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished, and ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

If an unlicensed contractor or adjuster has approached you, or if you have been encouraged to fabricate an insurance claim, contact your insurance company or the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) immediately.

Vehicles are also affected by severe weather and it's important to make sure your policy has the coverage options needed to protect you especially when it comes to flooding.

Repairing flooded vehicles

Flooding can cause significant damage to vehicles, which is usually covered by "comprehensive" auto insurance policies. In Tennessee, drivers are not required to have this coverage option, leaving some unprotected.

When a car has been partially or completely submerged:

  • Do not attempt to start a vehicle if the water level rose above the door opening and the interior of the car is wet. Doing so could cause irreversible damage to your vehicle’s engine and other components.
  • Take photos from the exterior of the vehicle. Do not open the doors if the water levels are still high.
  • Once the water has gone down, take photos of the interior.
  • Contact your insurance provider.
  • Have your vehicle towed to a mechanic for a full inspection to ensure it’s safe to be driven.

Tips for avoiding self-inflicted flood damage while driving:

  • Do not drive down flooded streets. You may not realize how deep the water is or what’s lurking underneath.
  • If you drive through a flooded area, with water above your doors and your engine cuts off, do not try to restart it. Doing so could flood the engine.
  • Quickly exit the vehicle.
  • Go to a safe location to call for help.

Reporting Insurance Fraud

If you have any information about insurance fraud, you can report it anonymously to the NICB by calling 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422) or submit a form online.