Insurers Offer Recovery Advice to Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Julia
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –- As Tropical Storm Julia continues to bring rain and wind to the southeast, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) today urges residents along the coast to listen to emergency officials and if your property is damaged to contact your insurer.
“Insurers are ready to respond and help families in the recovery process,” said Logan McFaddin, PCI regional manager. “Catastrophe teams prepare for storms like this and are ready to help policyholders in the event it causes damage. It's important to make sure you have your agent or insurance company’s contact information readily available. If your home or automobile is damaged, call your insurer immediately, this will help in the recovery process."
Most tornado and severe weather-related events are covered by either homeowners, renters or commercial insurance policies. Renters insurance also provides coverage to policyholder possessions under this peril. Business owners are covered under their commercial policies. Protection from windstorm or hail damage for cars is covered under the comprehensive portion of the automobile insurance policy.
Flood damage is typically covered through the National Flood Insurance Program rather than homeowners insurance. However, cars, trucks and other vehicles damaged by flood water are typically covered under an auto policy’s comprehensive coverage.
“Contact your insurance company or agent to discuss what is covered by your policy,” said McFaddin.
PCI Tips if You Experience a Loss from a Storm:
• 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 adjustor. Save receipts.
• 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.
For information on storm readiness, please visit PCI’s Hurricane Headquarters page.
