PCI Provides Insurance Information to help Residents affected by Flooding in Central and Southeastern States

CHICAGO - As flooding and the threat of flooding affects the lives of millions along the Mississippi River and several southeastern states, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is urging those in affected areas to take proper precautions and contact their insurance agent or company if their property has been damaged.

The Red Cross, insurance industry and other first responders are in the field assisting families who have been impacted by the severe weather. While the typical homeowners policy does not cover flood damage, it is still important for residents to contact their insurance agent or company right away if they experience property damage. Insurers are there to answer questions and help families and businesses begin the recovery process.

If you have flood insurance, your flood claim will be handled through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you don’t have flood insurance your insurance claims adjuster can assess the damage and determine if some of the damage may have been caused by wind, hail or some other peril which is covered by homeowners insurance.

In addition to damaging homes, flooding can be extremely hazardous for drivers. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) more than half of all flood-related deaths occur in motor vehicles. As a result, PCI urges everyone to use caution when driving, especially at night when it becomes very difficult to determine if a road is flooded. Also, if a vehicle is damaged by flooding, it is generally covered under the auto policy’s comprehensive coverage.

If you are affected by flooding there are certain things you can do to salvage property and minimize further damage:

• Report all damage to your insurance company or agent as soon as you can in order to settle your claim more quickly and accurately.
• Make a list of damaged items. If possible, put together a set of records, such as receipts, bills and photographs, to establish the age of everything that needs to be replaced or repaired.
• Identify structural damage to your home and make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster.
• Don't throw out damaged furniture or other expensive items. The adjuster will want to see them. It also is a good idea to take photographs of the damage before you start cleaning it up.