3 things to know about insurance before you evacuate for Hurricane Matthew

Know your policies say and make physical copies of all of them

According to Ray Craver, owner and agent at Seacoast Insurance, you most likely won’t be able to change any policy in place now, but it’s good to know what’s covered under the policies you have. Craver said policyholders should have physical copies of current home, auto and life insurance polices on them.

“Have your policies with you,” Karen Waffenschmidt, a Personal Lines Manager with HUB International Southeast, said.

Keep your insurance agency’s contact information on you

If for any reason you might not be able to get in contact with your personal insurance agent, have your overall insurance company’s phone number, email and website to file claims, Craver said. He said insurance companies will take your claim when your agent is unavailable.

“(Policyholders) can always call the insurance company direct,” he said.

Take pictures

If you don’t have a home inventory with pictures, Craver said take pictures of the inside and outside of your home with your phone.

“That way if (clients) do have any damage to the property, they’ll have pictures from prior to the storm,” he said. “Pictures will be the next best thing they’ll have to look at.”

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This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 7:58 AM with the headline "3 things to know about insurance before you evacuate for Hurricane Matthew."