Queer Like The Slur's Post

@gmillikan @ai6yr my community recently had to a lot of large insurance claims for a natural disaster. Some key stuff I picked up:
- get onto making an insurance claim asap
- talk with your neighbours about their experiences with their insurance companies, immediately start sharing what you learn along the way. Unionise as claimants. This is the big one. I cannot stress this one enough.
- tell the insurance company everything they need to know and *nothing they don't*. It is not in your interests for the insurance company to know you're frustrated, this is the first time this has happened to you, that you're confused by the process, etc. Talk and listen to every insurance company representative like you're conducting a corporate interview with them. Pay attention to what they say, what you say and what you don't say.
-read your policies, know your rights and know the roles of various organisations regarding you (local example: sewerage clean up on private property was the responsibility of the local water authority, not insurance companies)
- learn a little about every aspect of the process that impacts you, even if it's not your responsibility. You don't need to know how to do everyone else's job, but know your rights.
- learn what stuff is worth. Know what a roof is worth per [idk what your measure of area is]. Know how much it costs to pour a concrete slab.
- if someone else/an org says they will handle something that impacts you, consider it your responsibility to make sure it happens, a lot of stuff gets lost in the chaos
- stay on top of communications. Be aware that communications may be sent through organisation specific apps or portals and may be time sensitive. It is common to receive a document saying you will be considered to have accepted the terms in the document if you do not reply within two weeks.
- I cannot believe I forgot this: get yourself and your kids appropriate support. I know people with natural disaster related ptsd going back generations. Please look after yourself and those around you, it truly helps people for the rest of their lives.