Insurers Offer Tornado Recovery Tips

AUSTIN, Texas-It was a rough weekend for many as violent storms ripped through northeast Texas. As residents begin the recovery process, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) says the first step is to contact your insurer and start the claims process.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this recent round of violent weather,” said Joe Woods PCI’s vice president of state government relations. “Homeowners should contact their insurance company or agent through their toll-free phone number, app or website. Insurers plan for catastrophes and are prepared to assist homeowners immediately.  Company adjustors are now in the field helping homeowners and renters begin rebuilding.”

Most severe weather related events like hail and tornados are covered under either a homeowners, renters or commercial insurance policy. Renters insurance covers a policyholder’s personal possessions damaged by tornados. Windstorm and hail damage for cars is covered by the comprehensive coverage in an auto insurance policy. 

This storm highlights the importance of always being prepared and ensuring residents have the proper coverage for their homes and businesses. The increase in storm activity in past few weeks also puts a spotlight on the need to curb abuses from unscrupulous individuals and companies that capitalize on consumers during a time of need.

“It’s important to contact your company first before signing any documents, you could be filing a lawsuit without even knowing it,” added Woods. 

PCI’s Storm Recovery Tips:

• Secure property from further damage or theft.
• Contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible to report damage.
• Inventory losses and photograph damage to provide to your insurance adjuster. Save receipts for any temporary repairs you make.
• If you are a business owner, keep detailed records of business activity that is negatively affected due to the tornado or storm, and keep a list of extra expenses during the interruption. Prepare records to show the income from the business before and after the loss.
• Many standard homeowners and renters policies provide reimbursement of additional living expenses when the property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage. This provision helps with paying for increases to necessary living expenses such as temporary housing and restaurant meals. In addition, extra expenses, such as overnight parking and laundry services may also be covered. Additional living expense coverage does not pay for all living expenses, so contact your insurance company or agent for a list of what your policy will cover.
• Be careful about unscrupulous contractors following a natural disaster. Contact your insurer, agent or local business bureau for references on potential contractors and ask for certificates of liability and workers compensation before signing contracts.

PCI's Tornado Headquarters offers vital information for those impacted by tornadoes, as well as preparedness tips for those living in tornado-prone areas. Follow us on twitter @PCIAA and use #tornadosafety as we continue to provide tips on what to do before and after a tornado.

PCI Member Company Toll-Free Policyholder Claim Numbers:  http://bit.ly/PCITollFreeNumbers  

PCI’s Online Tornado Recovery Magazine: http://bit.ly/2oa1qMg