Your property was damaged during Tropical Storm Debby. Now what? [Video]

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The clean up from Tropical Storm Debby has begun in the Midlands, and for many homeowners, that process begins with a call to their insurance company.

Residents throughout the Midlands have experienced flooding, downed trees and damage to their homes from the storm.

Neighborhoods like Forest Acres had downed trees on homes and fences.

Tina Washington is a sales producer at Giles Insurance Agency. She says the first step is to get an estimate.

“Your first step is to, if you can, you want to get an estimate and you want to make sure that estimate is more than your deductible,” said Washington. “Some people get estimates, and they may have $1,000 deductible. Well, if you got an estimate of $800, you’re not going to be paid. However, you’ve got a claim showing on file for you, which is not the best statistic for a client. We’re …