̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Wash. D.C.: 202-833-1580
Bill Bailey: 617-510-5243

NEW YORK, September 1, 2005-Thousands of insurance adjusters from around the country have begun adjusting claims from Hurricane Katrina in areas accessible to them according to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Others are gathered at staging areas prepared to move into the most seriously damaged communities as soon as civil authorities allow. Many insurers have dispatched specially equipped catastrophe vehicles to help expedite the claims process.

Insurers and agents are dealing with many of the same disruptions confronting the victims of Hurricane Katrina - lack of power, phone service, accommodations and fuel shortages. Some may be disaster victims themselves.

Adjusters are providing funds for additional living expenses and the costs of temporary repairs to wind damaged homes.

Standard business and homeowners policies will cover wind damage from Hurricane Katrina. However, such policies do not cover damage from flooding. Flood damage is covered under policies written by the National Flood ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Program.

Damage ranges from total destruction to lesser losses. For residents who have access to their damaged property, the I.I.I. offers the following suggestions:

• Be prepared to give your agent or insurance representative a description of the damage. Your agent will report the loss to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible to inspect the damage. Be sure to give your agent a telephone number where you can be reached.
• Take photos of the damaged areas. These will help you with the claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.
• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Be sure to make two copies - one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
• Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

The I.I.I. has also prepared a free brochure, "Settling ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Claims After a Disaster".
Click here for a printable online copy, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY, 10038.

Click for additional information on disasters and insurance at I.I.I.'s Hurricane ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Center. The site posts a special list of 800 numbers set up by insurers to help consumers file a claim.

Click here for hurricane-related facts and statistics, including a list of the 10 Most Costly Hurricanes in the U.S.

Click here for information on Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles.

Click for the Institute for Business & Home Safety, which also has information on what home owners and business owners can do to increase their protection against everyday storms as well as natural disasters.

NOTE: Media interested in joining an insurance adjuster should contact the I.I.I. press office 212-346-5500 or e-mail jeannes@iii.org.