5 steps to getting back on your feet after a disaster

Here are some steps to help you if your property is damaged during a natural disaster.

1. Keep safe and return to your property once it's clear.

Once the natural disaster has passed, you should assess the damage and start planning how to get back to your predisaster state. It's important to keep your mind on your financial well-being. Consider these actions:

In an emergency - use your emergency funds.

It's important to have resources for the unexpected, and that's exactly what your emergency fund should help you with. Avoid being dependent on a credit card and use it only for purchases you can pay off within the same month or very short time period.

Take advantage of opportunities to save. If you're anticipating or currently being evacuated and need a safe place to stay, USAA members can book discounted evacuation housing.

Get financial assistance if needed.

You may find yourself needing financial help following a disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, can provide disaster assistance depending on the scope and severity of the disaster. Charitable organizations like the Red Cross can provide immediate support and long-term financial help if needed as well.

Keep records and receipts.

Keep records of all additional expenses. Most homeowners insurance policies cover additional living expenses if your home is damaged by an event that's covered by your policy. Review your policy to better understand loss of use coverage, any limitations and responsibilities you may have.

If you have expenses that are a direct result of a disaster effecting your property, keep them. Keep records of any estimates or statements of work that are proposed to you. If your contractor is communicating directly with your insurance company, make sure you have a record of all correspondence.

2. Report your claim.

Filing a claim with your insurance company can create a helpful roadmap to follow identifying timelines and actions that you or your insurance company will need to facilitate.

Your insurance company can also be an advocate for you if you have questions or need support with contractors and work being done on your property.

If your home or automobile has suffered damage, you can file a claim through the USAA mobile app or usaa.com/help. Or you can call us at 800-531-USAA (8722). You can check your coverage, report or view the status of a claim, submit photos, schedule an appraisal of your damaged vehicle through one of USAA's approved repair shops or reserve a rental vehicle. For more information, you can use our claims filing guide.

3. Secure your home and make temporary repairs.

First, make sure you and your loved ones are safe. Then:

• Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, but don't make permanent repairs until a claims adjuster has assessed the damage.
• If it's safe, photograph debris or damaged items before you have them removed or repaired.
• Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your USAA adjuster for possible reimbursement.

4. Prepare for the adjuster's visit.

Because of the large number of claims after a large disaster, inspections typically will take place based on the severity of the damage to the insured properties.

When an adjuster visits your home, they'll be checking all the damaged areas you mentioned in your claim. They'll inspect your home with a critical eye to ensure they don't miss any damage that could be covered by your policy.

The adjuster will write a report, or an estimate, that details what it would cost to repair or replace the covered damaged items.

5. Hire a contractor — with care.

You may need help with getting your home back to normal but be on the lookout for people who may take advantage of you.

• Require contractors to produce a license or other identification that can be confirmed by a third party such as the Better Business Bureau. Some states do not require contractors to be licensed. You may need to use customer reviews or other means to make yourself comfortable that you're hiring a reputable contractor.
• Don't pay upfront for any repair or cleanup work, even for a portion of the total fee. Legitimate contractors will bill you when the job is complete.
• Make note of which contractors are coming in and out of your home. Some contractor companies may provide you a name and photo of who will be working at your home.
• Call your insurance provider if you suspect that you've been approached by a fraudulent contractor.

Protect yourself from fraud.

Insurance fraud can be costly. When a disaster hits, often there are groups of people looking to take advantage of the situation. Processes like an assignment of benefits (AOB) can muddy the waters during a repair. An AOB provides a contractor the ability to work directly with your insurance company to facilitate repairs. Unfortunately, AOBs have been a source of fraud. A contractor using an AOB does not always mean fraudulent behavior, however you should fully read and understand anything that you sign.

Florida recently signed legislation that prohibits policyholders from assigning insurance benefits to other parties to deal with the long history of insurance fraud they experienced.

If you have questions about a contractor's estimate or if something doesn't feel right about your claims process, contact your insurance company.