The Insurance Information Institute offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement process:  Be prepared to give your agent or insurance company representative a description of the damage to your property.  Your agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible in order to arrange an inspection of the damage.  Make sure you give your agent a telephone number where you can be reached.

If it is safe to access the area, take photographs of the damaged property.  Visual documentation will help with the claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.

Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.  Make two copies-one for yourself and one for the adjuster.  Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.

Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.

Make whatever temporary repairs you can.  Cover broken windows and damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction.  Save the receipts for any supplies and materials you purchase as your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.

Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home or business from a licensed contractor and give it to the adjuster.  The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep a record of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts.

Ice Balls Can Be Dangerous

Hail is often overlooked as an insurance concern, but even small hailstones can shatter windows, smash roofs, leave pockmarks in siding and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property, according to the Insurance Information Institute.  Just imagine a golf ball dropped from an airplane flying at 30,000 feet, reaching speeds of 120 MPH as it falls to the ground. Now imagine the damage it could do if it hit the roof of your house or car.  Hail can also cause serious injury and even death. 

Hail damage is covered under standard homeowners insurance.  It is also covered under your auto policy, provided you have comprehensive coverage.