Protecting Your Property and Your Rights
When the Nashville Ice Storm melts, the real work begins. The initial reaction for many Nashville homeowners is to call their insurance company immediately. While that is necessary, it is not the first thing you should do. As a public adjuster, my advice is to document first, protect second, and call third.
- Safety First, Then Documentation
Before you do anything, ensure your property is safe. If you have broken windows or a tree through the roof, it is imperative to mitigate further damage. However, do not throw away any debris—especially broken pipe pieces or tree branches—until they have been documented. - Document Everything (Extensively)
Your insurance company will not be there to see the water cascading through your ceiling. They will only see the aftermath. Take a video walkthrough of your home, narrating what you see. Take hundreds of photos—close-ups of warped baseboards, wet insulation, damaged flooring, and structural debris. - Mitigation is Your Responsibility
Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. If you have a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve immediately. If a tree fell on your roof, get a licensed contractor to cover it with a tarp. - The Crucial “First Call”
When you call your insurance company, you are reporting a claim, not just having a chat. Keep a detailed log of every person you speak with, the date, the time, and what was said. - Beware of “Door Knockers”
After disasters, “fly-by-night” contractors often swarm affected neighborhoods in Nashville. Beware of anyone claiming to be from a government agency or demanding upfront fees. Only work with reputable, licensed local contractors. - Don’t Sign Anything Immediately
Do not sign a “contract for repair” until you have a full, independent assessment of the damage that you and your carrier agree to. A quick fix might hide deeper structural issues, such as mold or ice-induced structural failures.
In the next part, we will discuss the specific, often tricky, nuances of tree damage and pipe bursts, and what is truly covered under Tennessee insurance policies. In the meantime, should you have any questions, call Franklin Property Claims at 615-622-5358.
