In short: after storm damage, the usual order is safety first, then recording the damage, limiting further damage, telling the insurer or advisor, and working through the insurer’s assessment and decision. Each policy sets its own deadlines and requirements, and the insurer decides the claim. This article is general information and does not replace your policy wording.
This is the short version. The full guide, with a document checklist and the claim form fields one insurer publishes, is How do you make an insurance claim after hurricane damage in Sint Maarten?
Step 1: Safety
Check that everyone is safe before dealing with the property. Follow the guidance of the official local authorities. Nothing in an insurance policy is more important than people’s safety.
Step 2: Record the damage
- Photograph or film the damage before any clean-up, where it is safe to do so.
- Keep damaged items if the insurer may want to see them.
- Compare what you see with your inventory, if you have one.
Step 3: Limit further damage
Most policies expect the policyholder to take reasonable steps to stop damage getting worse, for example covering a damaged roof. Keep the receipts for what you spend. Avoid major permanent repairs until you know what the insurer needs to see.
Step 4: Tell your insurer or advisor
Notify the insurer, or your advisor, as soon as you can. Policies can set their own time limits for reporting a claim, so check the wording. Have your policy number to hand and keep a note of every conversation: who you spoke to, the date and what was said.
Step 5: Assessment
The insurer may ask for a claim form, photographs, receipts and a list of damaged items. It may send an assessor to inspect the property. Be ready to show the damage and to explain what happened. The assessor reports to the insurer, which decides how the claim is handled.
Step 6: Decision and settlement
The insurer will look at whether the damage is covered under the policy, which section applies and what limits and exclusions are relevant. If the claim is accepted, the amount can depend on:
- The sum insured and any limits that apply to particular items.
- The deductible, which is the part of the claim you pay yourself. A separate named-storm deductible may apply. Deductibles are explained here.
- Whether the policy pays for repair, replacement or a cash amount, and on what basis.
If you disagree with the outcome
Ask for the reasons in writing and compare them with the policy wording. Your advisor can explain the wording. If you remain unhappy, the insurer’s complaints process may be described in your policy documents or on its website. A legal adviser can explain your legal options.
Common difficulties
- Missing records: an inventory with photos taken before the storm makes it much easier to show what was lost.
- Late notice: waiting can create problems if the policy has a time limit.
- Unclear wording on flood and wind: damage from a storm can involve both, and policies may treat them differently.
- Business interruption: income lost while closed is often a separate extension with its own waiting period.
How an advisor can help
An advisor can explain what the policy says, help gather documents, pass information to the insurer and follow up on progress. The claims assistance page describes this in more detail, and the hurricane insurance page explains how policies may treat storm damage. To discuss a claim, request a call back or call +1 721 542 5078.
This website gives general information about insurance. It is not personal advice, a recommendation or an offer of cover. Terms, limits, exclusions and availability depend on the insurer and the policy wording.