Why Document Preparation Matters
After Hurricane Irma devastated Sint Maarten in 2017, many residents found themselves unable to access critical documents. Insurance policies were destroyed, identification documents were lost, and financial records were inaccessible. This made the recovery process significantly more difficult and delayed insurance claims by weeks or months.
Preparing your documentation before hurricane season takes only a few hours but can save you enormous time and stress in the aftermath of a storm. The checklist below covers every category of document you should secure.
Complete Document Checklist
Insurance Documents
- All current insurance policy documents (home, contents, vehicle, health, life)
- Insurance policy numbers and insurer contact details
- Compass Insurances contact information and your broker's direct number
- Most recent premium payment receipts
- Any endorsements or riders attached to your policies
- Claims history documentation
Personal Identification
- Passports for all household members
- National identity cards or residence permits
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates
- Social security or national insurance numbers
- Driver's licences
Property Documents
- Property deed or title documents
- Mortgage or lease agreement
- Most recent property tax assessment
- Building plans or architectural drawings
- Contractor warranties for recent renovations
- Utility account numbers (electricity, water, internet)
Financial Records
- Bank account numbers and bank contact details
- Credit card account numbers and emergency contact numbers
- Investment account statements
- Recent tax returns
- List of outstanding loans and creditor contact details
- Safe deposit box location and access information
Medical Records
- Health insurance cards and policy numbers
- List of current medications with dosages
- Medical history summaries for all household members
- Doctor and specialist contact information
- Vaccination records
- Prescription information for essential medications
Business Documents
- Business registration and licence documents
- Commercial insurance policy documents
- Key supplier and customer contact lists
- Business bank account information
- Employee contact list and payroll records
- Lease agreements for business premises
How to Store Your Documents Safely
Waterproof Physical Container
Store original documents in a waterproof, fireproof container. Keep this container in an easily accessible location so you can take it with you if you need to evacuate.
Secure Cloud Storage
Scan or photograph all documents and upload them to a secure cloud service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. Ensure your cloud account is protected with a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Off-Island Trusted Contact
Email copies of your most important documents to a trusted family member or friend outside Sint Maarten. This provides a backup that is completely independent of local infrastructure.
USB Drive in a Safe Location
Keep a USB drive with digital copies of all documents in a secure off-site location, such as a bank safe deposit box or with a trusted person outside your home.
Your Insurance Documents: The Most Important Category
Of all the documents on this checklist, your insurance policies are the most critical to have accessible after a hurricane. Without your policy documents, you may not know what you are covered for, what your deductibles are, or how to contact your insurer to file a claim.
Compass Insurances clients can always contact us directly for copies of their policy documents. We maintain records of all policies we have arranged on your behalf. However, having your own copies stored securely means you can act immediately after a storm without waiting for us to retrieve them.
Need copies of your insurance documents?
Contact Compass Insurances and we will provide you with copies of all your current policy documents. We can also review your coverage to ensure you are fully protected before hurricane season begins.