AIA Helps Policyholders Navigate Insurance Claims After Hurricane Lane

News provided by

American Insurance Association

Aug 27, 2018, 19:20 ET

HONOLULU (PRWEB) August 27, 2018 -- As Hawaiians continue to deal with the after effects of Hurricane Lane, the American Insurance Association (AIA) offers these tips for those who may need help filing a claim with their insurer:

  • Use caution when entering disaster areas. Don’t reenter evacuated areas until officials say it is safe.
  • Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report all losses and damages. Provide a general description of the damage and have your policy number handy, if possible. If you have an agent, contact them – they may report the loss to your insurance company who will contact you to inspect the damage. Stay in regular contact with your insurer to get the best and fastest results.
  • Keep all recovery-related receipts, including those for meals and lodging – these may be covered under the “additional living expenses” portion of your insurance policy. Talk to your insurance company about temporary repairs for covered damage. Many homeowners’ insurance policies will reimburse you for reasonable expenses related to immediate, limited repairs or efforts needed to prevent further covered damage to the home. However, don’t make permanent repairs until your insurer has inspected the damage. Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a licensed and bonded contractor, and give the estimate to the adjuster.
  • Prepare a list of damaged property. If possible, photograph or video the damaged items. Prepare a list of damaged or lost items for your adjuster and make two copies, one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Providing as much detail as you can may help speed things up – consider including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and perhaps even what it might cost today to replace it. Many insurers have links to home inventory and proof of loss forms on their websites that can aid you before or after a loss.
  • Return claim forms to your insurer as soon as possible. Ask questions if you are unclear about your policy.
  • Flood claims may be covered if you have separate flood coverage or a flood policy. Be sure to ask your insurer or agent about these claims as well.
  • Build stronger for the future. Ask your contractor about adding features to increase your home’s resilience.

Additional Resources:

Rachel Wallen, American Insurance Association, http://www.aiadc.org, 2028287149, [email protected]