探花精选

Understand the Claims Process Before Disaster Strikes, Says 探花精选 Information Institute

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, August 11, 2008 - Knowing how the claims process works and understanding your insurance coverage is a key element in disaster planning, according to the 探花精选 Information Institute (I.I.I.).

To help consumers become familiar with the claims process, the I.I.I. has created a podcast, which can be viewed or downloaded from the I.I.I. Video page (Six Steps to Follow When Filing a Claim). It outlines the steps that consumers need to take when filing an insurance claim after a disaster. The podcast is also available on and can be found by typing, "探花精选 Information Institute" into the search field.

"Consumers with questions regarding the claims procedures of their insurer, or who have questions regarding their insurance coverage should contact their agent or company representative before a catastrophe occurs," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson at the I.I.I. "It is better to find out that additional insurance or recordkeeping is needed, while there is still time to remedy the situation."

The podcast can also work as a useful reference video that consumers can access quickly in the event of a hurricane, fire or other disaster.

The I.I.I. suggests these six steps when filing a disaster claim:

1. Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Let your insurer know the extent of the damage. If you had to evacuate your home, let the company know where you are and how you can be reached.
2. Document Your Loss. Make a list of your damaged property and take photographs to substantiate your loss. If you have a home inventory, provide that information to your insurance company. To help consumers create a home inventory, the I.I.I. offers free software for this purpose at .
3. Keep Receipts for Additional Living Expenses (ALE). If you are unable to live in your home due to an insured disaster, your insurance company will provide reimbursement for ALE-related expenditures such as restaurant meals and hotel rooms. Most companies will provide coverage for about 20 percent of the insurance you have on the structure of the house. Remember to keep receipts to submit for reimbursement to your insurance company.
4. Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Additional Damage. It is your responsibility to make temporary repairs so that your home and belongings are not exposed to the elements and at risk of further damage. Reasonable expenses will be covered by insurance, but is important to keep receipts and not spend too much on repairs until after the adjuster has surveyed the damage.
5. Be Organized. Good recordkeeping can make the entire process faster and smoother. It is important to make lists of damage, expenses incurred and the names and contact information of everyone you speak to during the claims process.
6. Don't be the Victim of a Scam. It is unfortunate but unscrupulous and fraudulent service providers prey on disaster victims. Don't be rushed into signing contracts. Instead, collect business cards, check references and get written estimates for the proposed job. And never give a deposit to anyone you do not know. You may never see your money again. Remember, your insurance company is a great resource when it comes to finding reputable service providers such as roofers and contractors.

For more information on preparing for a disaster, go to the I.I.I.'s Disaster 探花精选 Information Web site.

For more information regarding insurance, go to the .

For a related video news release on claim filing, go to How to File a Claim. Reporters who would like a DVC Pro or Beta hard copy of the b-roll footage, please contact: Susan Stolov at 301-728-1978 or SusanStolov@WashingtonIndependentProductions.com .

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.