A Guide to Replacing Furniture After a Natural Disaster
La-Z-Boy Southeast | October 3, 2024
Experiencing damage from a natural disaster—whether it’s a storm, flood, or fire—can be devastating. One of the many challenges homeowners face in these situations is the need to replace damaged furniture.
Unfortunately, most furniture warranties don’t cover natural disasters, which can leave you wondering whether your insurance will step in.
At La-Z-Boy Southeast, we’ve helped countless customers replace their furniture after disaster strikes. We understand how stressful and overwhelming this experience can be, and our mission is to help you find comfort again—starting with your home furnishings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of assessing damage, exploring your options, and taking the necessary steps to repair or replace your furniture.
Assessing the Damage to Your Furniture After a Natural Disaster
The first step to take with damaged furniture is to evaluate the extent of the damage. Whether caused by wind, flooding, fire, or debris, understanding the level of harm will help determine if you can salvage your furniture or if it’s time for a replacement.
Major storms, especially hurricanes or tornadoes, can cause structural damage to furniture. Check for cracks, breaks, or any weakening in the framework of wooden pieces like beds, tables, or cabinets. Upholstered furniture might also suffer from torn fabrics or internal damage to springs and padding.
Flooding is a common consequence of major storms, and furniture—particularly fabric or wood—can quickly absorb water. Be on the lookout for swelling, discoloration, or mold, especially in sofas, chairs, and mattresses. Mold can develop rapidly and may pose health risks if not dealt with properly.
Don’t just focus on visible damage—flip over cushions, open the inside of cabinets, and check under tables or chairs. Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal, minor damage like scratches, cracks, or water stains can impact the health of your furniture.
Document the Damage to Your Furniture
Take multiple photos from different angles and, if possible, record videos. It’s easy to overlook small details when assessing damage, especially after a disaster so take the time to thoroughly document your furniture inspection.
If you are able to file insurance claims on your furniture, thorough documentation will not only help your case but can also speed up the claims process.
Determining Whether Furniture is Repairable or Needs Replacing
Once you’ve identified the damage, you need to decide if the furniture can be repaired.
Minor damage, like small cracks or dampness, might be fixable, but severe water damage or broken frames may call for a replacement.
Contacting the service department of the store where you purchased your furniture, or reaching out directly to the manufacturer’s service department, can be incredibly helpful in evaluating the extent of the damage.
At La-Z-Boy Southeast, our service department is trained to guide you through assessing whether your furniture parts can be replaced.
What to Expect from Manufacturer Warranties in Natural Disasters
If your furniture was covered by a warranty, you might wonder whether damages from acts of nature are included. Understanding the limitations of these warranties can save you time when exploring replacement options after a storm.
Furniture warranties often cover manufacturing defects but exclude “Acts of God,” which typically include events such as fires, storms, floods, and hurricanes.
La-Z-Boy furniture comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, however, this warranty also excludes coverage for natural disasters.
Navigating the Claims Process for Furniture Replacement
If your furniture warranty doesn’t cover storm damage, your homeowner’s insurance may offer some relief. It’s important to note that not every policy is the same and you should contact your individual provider to determine the exact details of your insurance.
In many cases, Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to personal property, including furniture. However, the specifics of your coverage depend on your policy type and the nature of the storm. Flood damage, for instance, is often not covered under standard policies unless you have additional flood insurance.
To file a claim for damaged furniture, here are the general steps you should expect to take:
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Document all damage with photos or videos.
- Gather any receipts or proof of purchase for the damaged furniture.
- Provide a detailed inventory of the affected items.
- Submit your claim and work with your adjuster for evaluation.
Once your claim is filed, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Depending on the extent of the damage and your coverage, the adjuster will approve a payout for replacement or repairs.
If insurance does not cover the damage of your furniture, there may be other resources you can explore for assistance. Federal programs such as FEMA, help with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc) not covered by insurance.
Here are a few additional resources you can explore for more information on topics related to possible coverage:
Purchasing or Repairing Your Furniture After Disaster Strikes
When disaster strikes and your furniture is damaged, you may wonder whether you should wait for your insurance claim to be processed before purchasing new furniture or making repairs.
While it’s essential to file your claim as soon as possible, you don’t necessarily have to wait for it to be fully processed before shopping. Many insurance companies allow you to document the damage with photos and videos, which gives you the freedom to start exploring replacement options right away.
However, it’s important to keep receipts and records of any purchases or repairs you make, as your insurer will likely request these when finalizing your claim.
Additionally, keep in mind that ordering new custom furniture can take weeks or even months for delivery, so shopping early can help cut down on your wait time and ensure your home is restored as quickly as possible.
Be sure to consult with your insurance provider first to understand your specific coverage limits and whether they require approval before replacing items.
At La-Z-Boy Southeast, we also offer flexible financing options to help you purchase furniture even before your claim is settled, ensuring you can restore comfort to your home without unnecessary delays.
It’s important to note that furniture stores can provide you with purchase documentation but they do not get involved with claims or disputes. It’s up to you to communicate and move forward with your insurance provider.
Moving Forward: Navigating Furniture Replacement with Confidence
Dealing with damage to your home and belongings can be overwhelming, but knowing your options and taking the right steps can make all the difference.
At La-Z-Boy Southeast, we’re here to support you through every stage of furniture replacement, from assessing damage to finding the perfect new pieces for your home.
Our knowledgeable team would be happy to assist you at any of our locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. We’re committed to bringing comfort to your home—no matter the circumstance.
