The NC Department of Insurance gives Hurricane Irene information and claim assistance for you to stay away from potential fraud and also to process claim issues after the hurricane strikes.

1. Watch for low-ball insurance claim estimates from your insurance company.  In a catastrophe situation like Hurricane Irene, many insurance companies are forced to bring in out-of-state adjusters.  Unfortunately, these adjusters and the insurance companies are overloaded with claims.  This causes a lack of attention to detail. 
2. After Hurricane Irene, roofing companies learn from media reports which areas has the highest hurricane, hail and wind damages. They target all these local communities and travel house-to-house telling the homeowners their house must be damaged and needs repairs or a full roof replacement. In accordance with detectives, often there is no roofing problems and often the damage is even intentionally caused. This is tried as insurance fraud. At a minimum, unsuspecting property owners wind up paying out a deductible for a newer roof they did not really need.  If you suspect fraud, get in touch with the state Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division.
3. If or when a person suffers property damage within their house , speak to your agent or insurance provider immediately in order to schedule a visit from an adjuster. The Department of Insurance will be in close connection with the top insurance companies conducting business in the state. The department will have up-to-date consumer hotline phone numbers available for individuals who must speak to their particular insurance companies.
4. Prior to conducting any repairs to your home or building, snap photos and generate a list regarding the damages you can visibly see.  This will allow you to show the adjuster all the rooms you’ve seen damaged without forgetting.
5. Protect your property from additional damage by completing temporary repairs only, till your adjuster can advise you further. Save all receipts for supplies purchased for the purpose of any temporary repairs.
6. Don’t have permanent repairs made till your insurance carrier has audited the house and you’ve reached an agreement on the expense of such repairs.
7. If needed, rent interim housing. In case your home is uninhabitable due to associated Hurricane Irene damages (not insufficient electrical power or water), almost all property coverage pay for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) when your property is undergoing repairs. Prior to booking short term shelter, check with the insurance company or agent to figure out exactly what fees will be paid for.
8. Remember when it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Work only with licenced contractors and certified firms.