Filing an insurance claim

NORFOLK, Va. - Thousands of people are still cleaning up after last week's Nor'easter, using rakes, chainsaws and shovels. And, they're also dealing with the arduous task of filing insurance claims.

It's a mind boggling mess for people like Cindy Payne. Her house in the Ocean View area of Norfolk suffered some storm damage and she lost most everything inside the house.

"I'm ready to move, anywhere away from the water," said Payne. She's not just frustrated with Mother Nature, it's her insurance company too. "My backyard is full of most of the stuff that was in my house, but the adjusters are so busy I don't know when they are going to get to my claim."

WAVY.com has some advice if you, like Payne, are filing a claim:

1) Review your policy before you call your agent to make sure you know exactly what is and is not covered.

2) Call your agent.

3) Take pictures of the damage.

4) Make temporary repairs to stop any further damage.

5) Keep all documents and receipts related to your claim.

6) Don't just sit back and wait. 

Call your adjuster regularly to check on the progress of your settlement.  When there are thousands of claims made during storms like this Nor'easter, you don't want your claim to sink to the bottom of the pile.