TIPS FOR FILING HURRICANE SANDY DAMAGE CLAIMS

Because so many consumers experienced claims problems in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Irene, the CFA urges homeowners dealing with losses caused by Hurricane Sandy to be vigilant with their insurance companies to ensure that that they receive a full and fair settlement.

As consumers prepare to contact their insurance companies in the wake of the storm, the CFA offers the following tips:

AFTER THE STORM

1. Report your claim as promptly as possible as insurance companies generally handle them first come, first serve.

2. Once your claim is reported, be sure to get your claim number and write it down. Insurance company claims departments can locate your file easiest by your claim number.

3.  When the insurance company sends out an adjuster to survey your damage, ask if he/she is an employee of the insurance company or an independent adjuster (I.A.) hired by them. If an independent adjuster, try to secure the name of the actual company adjuster that the I.A. is sending your information to or are they authorized to make claim decisions and payments on behalf of your insurance company.

 

KEEP GOOD RECORDS—Documentation, Documentation

1.  Start a notebook documenting contacts with your insurance company. List the date, time and a brief description of the exchange.

2.  Inventory your damaged possessions.

3.  Obtain a repair estimate from a trusted local contractor. Keep receipts from emergency repairs and any costs you incur in temporary housing. This may be reimbursable under the "Additional Living Expense" portion of your homeowners' policy. 

IF THE CLAIM IS DENIED OR THE OFFER IS TOO LOW

Demand that the company identify the language in your homeowners' policy that served as the basis for denying your claim or offering so little.

HOW/WHERE DO I COMPLAIN

1.       Complain to more senior staff in the insurance company

2.       Complain to your state insurance department.

3.       See a lawyer.

WHAT ISN'T COVERED IN THE HOMEOWNERS' POLICY?

Homeowners' policies do not cover flood, earthquake, tree removal (except when the tree damages the house) or food spoilage from power failures. Some insurers use an "anti-concurrent-causation" clause in their policies that, insurers allege, removes coverage for wind damage if a flood happens at about the same time.

 

For more information contact the Consumer Federation of America.