Taking Action: Insurance Information After Hurricane Ian

Our deepest sympathies go out to all those who have been affected by Hurricane Ian. In the aftermath of the catastrophic storm, you may have questions about insurance coverage, filing claims, and repairs. The following are some recommendations that may be helpful. 

• Contact your insurance agent or insurer as soon as possible, providing them with your policy number and any telephone numbers or email addresses at which they can reach you. A list of major insurers and their corresponding claims numbers can be found in Exhibit 1. 
• Maintain records of any contact you have with the insurance company, keeping a diary of all phone conversations and correspondence, with accompanying dates and times. 
• If you cannot stay in your home because of damage, find temporary lodging. Insurers generally pay for these additional living expenses caused by disasters, along with food and transportation. 
• Take photographs of all damage, and make a list of all damaged or lost items. Include their date of purchase, receipts, and replacement value, if possible. 
• Do not attempt to make any permanent repairs until the insurer has inspected the property and agreed to make repairs. Make only those temporary repairs that protect property from additional damage. 
• To help dry out the house from flood or rain water, contact a disaster remediation company. You can typically do this before an insurance adjuster surveys the house. 
• Save receipts for all repairs and clean-up costs. This will save time trying to recreate your out-of-pocket expenses later on.
• Before official repairs begin, request a written estimate of costs. Do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has examined the damage.
• For large claims, it may be helpful to hire a public adjuster, who represents you and manages the claim. Public adjusters typically charge 10% of the eventual settlement amount. 
• Report any additional damage you uncover to the insurer. If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the adjuster’s original assessment, contact the insurer to resolve the difference.

As always, do not hesitate to contact your client advisor with any additional insurance-related questions.