Insurance Claims Settlement Process Begins as Victims Dig Out From Snowstorms

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New York: 212-346-5500, media@iii.org
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NEW YORK, February 19, 2002 - Victims of the severe ice and snowstorms that hit the Eastern Seaboard should now be making claims with their insurers for any property damage. "In times of disaster the last thing people are concerned about is their insurance claim, but the more information you have about your damaged possessions, the faster your claim generally can be settled," said Loretta Worters, Vice President for the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

The I.I.I. offers the following advice to speed the insurance claims settlement:

• Call your insurance agent or insurance company's 800 number. Be prepared to give your agent or insurance representative a description of your damage. Your agent will report the loss immediately 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 with your 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 property and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

Serious Losses Will Be Given Priority. Even with many additional adjusters, it will take time to process the many damage claims being filed. If your home has been seriously damaged, your agent will do everything possible to assure you are given priority.

Consumers with claim filing questions can contact the National Insurance Consumer Helpline at 800-942-4242. The Insurance Information Institute has also prepared a free brochure, Settling An Insurance Claim After A Disaster. Consumers can get a copy by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038 or by accessing I.I.I.'s web site at http://www.iii.org.