Severe weather has left millions without power and caused billions of dollars in property damage in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and elsewhere. Homes are being flooded as a result of burst pipes, and mold growth and other problems are likely to follow.

Homeowners insurance can be very helpful in the recovery process, but you must act quickly, keep good records, and pay close attention to the details of your policy. Here are four tips for getting the most out of your home insurance policy when dealing with a major storm.

Review your homeowners insurance policy

The first priority is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Once you've gotten that under control, it's time to see what your home insurance policy covers, according to Insurance Information Institute spokesperson Mark Friedlander.

Examine the declarations page of your policy to determine what types of damage are covered, your coverage limits, and your insurance deductible. If you have any questions, contact your insurer or agent to ensure that you fully understand what your policy covers.

A policy's key distinctions could cost thousands of dollars. Some policies, for example, will cover the replacement cost of damaged belongings, whereas others will only reimburse the cash value. If a burst pipe destroys your five-year-old television, replacement cost coverage will assist in covering the cost of a new, comparable television. Actual cash value, on the other hand, will account for five years of depreciation and pay only what the insurer believes the TV was worth at the time of destruction.

Report the claim to your insurer

If a storm damages your home and you need to file a claim, notify your agent or insurance company as soon as possible.

"There will be a massive number of claims," says David Sampson, president and CEO of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. "It's important to file your claim or notify your agent or company very early on."

Friedlander believes that technology will be your friend in explaining what happened. “If you can, take pictures of it. Video is great, but at the very least, take pictures with your phone to document the damage.”

Liz Heigle, Oklahoma Insurance Department communications director, advises in an email that you should not throw away anything that could affect your claim unless it has been explicitly cleared to do so by your insurer. She also advises keeping a record of everyone you speak with at the insurance company regarding your claim.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines made the initial steps of the claims process easier and faster. According to Friedlander, insurers will handle the initial damage assessment virtually in many cases, with in-person visits from an adjuster reserved for the most severe cases.

Heigle recommends being present to discuss the damage if an adjuster needs to inspect the damage in person. If you are unable to attend, please leave a note with contact information for the adjuster.

Repair what you can

After you've spoken with your insurer, you can take care of any repairs that are needed.

If, for example, a pipe is leaking into your home, you don't have to wait for a contractor to arrive to fix the problem. You can make emergency repairs without risking losing insurance coverage as long as you have a clear understanding with your insurance company about the steps to take.

Keep track of all your expenses as you make repairs. Everything you buy to fix the problem will be covered under your claim.

If you are without water or electricity as a result of a winter storm, you may need to temporarily relocate. Your insurance company will typically pay your additional living expenses while you are displaced, but there may be coverage limits and other restrictions, so you should consult with your insurer about this step.

Beware of fraud

In the aftermath of major storms, insurance fraud is a common issue. Unscrupulous contractors, among other things, take advantage of people's desperation by inflating costs or taking money in advance and not completing a job.

“Money will come in from the federal government, insurance, or a combination of the two, and the fraudsters are aware of this,” says David Glawe, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Consumers can avoid becoming victims of these scams, according to Camille Garcia, spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Texas, in an email.

She advises checking references and online reviews before hiring a contractor and paying in instalments as the work is completed to your satisfaction.

“Do not sign over your insurance proceeds check to a contractor,” Garcia advises.