In the Aftermath of Midwest Tornadoes, Insurance Claims Filing Begins for Victims

I.I.I. Provides Tips to Speed the Claims Settlement Process

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

NEW YORK, March 14, 2006-Victims of the severe storms and tornadoes that swept through the Midwest over the weekend are struggling to put the pieces of their lives back in place and are beginning the claims filing process.

Hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. Each year, about 1,200 tornadoes with wind speeds as high as 300 mph touch down in the United States. Though not generally as destructive as hurricanes, tornadoes are more frequent and can cause severe damage. Standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage caused by tornadoes and severe weather.

The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement process:

• Be prepared to give your agent or insurance company representative a description of the damage to your property. Your agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or to a qualified adjuster who will contact you as soon as possible in order to arrange an inspection of the damage. Make sure you give your agent a telephone number where you can be reached.
• Take photographs of the damaged areas. Visual documentation will help with the claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.
• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. 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 the receipts for any supplies and materials you purchase as 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.
• If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep records of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts. Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for additional living expenses incurred by the loss of use of your home.

Serious Losses Will Be Given Priority

In cases of widespread damage, such as the tornadoes and storms in the Midwest, insurance companies often send additional adjusters into the area; however, it can still take some time to process the many claims being filed. If your home has been destroyed or seriously damaged, your agent will do everything possible to ensure your claim is given priority.

The Insurance Information Institute has a free brochure, Settling Insurance Claims after a Disaster. Consumers can get a copy on the I.I.I. Web site at /individuals/brochures/ or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038.

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