Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Irene Caused Widespread Flooding, here is what to do

If you need to file an insurance claim following floods and you have a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), in many cases you can contact your private insurance company, such as Allstate Insurance Company, to help you begin the claims process.  Our clients can call us, and we will get you in touch with a flood adjuster.
Allstate policyholders who have purchased NFIP policies can file a claim by calling 800-54-STORM or by logging on to www.allstate.com or by contacting their local Allstate agent.
 
Here are some tips for starting your flood insurance claim: 
  1. Gather all relevant policy information and numbers.
  2. Call your insurance agent or company and make sure to mention that your damage is flood specific and you need to file a NFIP claim so your claim is processed appropriately.
  3. Make sure your agent and claims adjuster know how to contact you. If you are in a shelter and not easily reached, provide the name of a designated relative or point-of-contact who can reach you. 
  4. Remove water damaged items from the home as soon as possible. 
  5. Take lots of photos. Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (i.e. cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your estimate. 
  6. Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjuster arrives. This will help facilitate your claim process.
Obtaining a flood insurance policy is easy.

  
Since a flood policy does not take effect until 30 days after purchase, we encourage residents to consider their home's risk for flooding and call us well before the waters rise.  You never know when a storm will strike, and 30 days is a long time to wait, so act now, before it is too. late.  Flood insurance can be as low as $10 a day to protect your home.  That is a small price to pay, considering that flood claims cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

No comments: