APCIA: Homeowners Urged to Work Closely with their Insurer on the Claims Process and Watch Out for Post-Storm Scammers After Hurricane Isaias

DESTIN, Fla. - As communities continue to focus on recovery following Hurricane Isaias, insurers are deploying all available resources to help their policyholders and to process and pay covered claims as quickly as possible, says the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). APCIA urges residents who experienced damage to their home, vehicle, or business to contact their insurer as soon as possible to file an insurance claim, if they have not yet done so, and to work closely with their insurer throughout the claims process. Homeowners with flood-related damage should contact their flood insurer.

"The first step to recovery following a catastrophic weather event is to contact your insurer to begin the claims process," said Sarah Revell, vice president of public affairs at APCIA. "Insurers are dedicated to helping their policyholders recover from Hurricane Isaias by quickly reviewing every claim to pay for covered losses."

After a damaging weather event, fraudsters and unlicensed contractors often come to town seeking to take advantage of homeowners in desperate need of repairs. Homeowners are urged to keep their guard up and watch out for anyone who shows up unsolicited at their door offering to conduct damage assessments or trying to involve themselves in the claims or damage repair process.

"We do not want any residents who experienced property damage during the storm to fall victim to scams or fraudulent activity as it can delay their recovery process and hurt them financially," added Revell. "We urge people to work closely with their insurer before signing any contracts to make sure the damage is covered by their policy and to verify that any contractor they hire is licensed and insured."

To help impacted residents begin the recovery process, APCIA is answering common questions related to insurance after a disaster:

Is damage to my home, business, or vehicle covered by insurance?

• Damage associated with wind and other severe weather is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy.
• Flood damage to a home is not typically covered under a standard homeowner's policy. Coverage for flood damage must be purchased as a separate insurance policy. Flood insurance policies may be with the National Flood Insurance Program or possibly with a flood insurer in the private market. If a homeowner does not have flood insurance, federal disaster assistance may be available in the form of grants or loans if a federal disaster is declared.
• Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has purchased comprehensive physical damage coverage.

My home was damaged or destroyed. What should I do now?

• Contact your home and/or flood insurer as soon as possible to report the damage. If possible, have your policy number ready.
• Photograph or videotape the damage to share with your insurer and keep a copy for your records.
• Make temporary repairs if it is safe to do so. If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
• Save receipts for any materials you purchase to assist with repairs. You may submit them to your insurer for reimbursement.
• Do not throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home. Many insurers are utilizing a variety of virtual solutions to increase the efficiency of the claims process.
• Your insurer may deploy virtual and non-contact technology tools, like aerial imagery devices, to assess the damage and process your claim as safely and expeditiously as possible.

What if I cannot live in my home due to damage or because it is being repaired?

• Ask your insurer if your policy covers additional living expenses, which can help pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals, and laundry.
• Keep all receipts for such expenses so you can discuss them with the adjuster.

I have reported my claim; now what should I do?

• Take steps to prevent further damage. However, do not attempt permanent repairs or dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster can see it to assess the extent of your damages. If debris is dangerous, homeowners should carefully document their losses and then dispose of the debris.
• Photograph or video any perishable items and retain all receipts for emergency repairs and additional living costs to substantiate claims.

How can I avoid falling victim to post-storm scams or fraud?

• Be alert and know the warning signs. Be on the lookout for unsolicited offers to inspect or repair your roof. Be cautious of contractors who try to pressure you into signing a contract and require cash for a down payment or full payment upfront.
• Contact your insurer first. File your claim first and let your insurer verify what repairs are necessary before signing any contracts. Then find a licensed contractor to make the repairs. Your insurer can help you identify licensed contractors in your area.
• Verify insurance and licenses. Make sure the contractor you hire has liability and workers' compensation insurance and check to see if the contractor has a legitimate local address. Florida residents should check the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website to be sure the contractor is licensed and bonded.
• Get three bids and check references. Get three written, itemized estimates for the work and compare the bids. Require the contractor to provide you with references and contact those references to verify the work was done on time and completed in compliance with the current building code.
• Check for complaints. Florida residents should check with Florida DBPR or the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against the contractor.
• Never pay in full upfront. Most contractors will require a reasonable down payment, but never pay in full upfront and do not pay in cash.
• Get a written contract. Always get a written contract that clearly states everything the contractor will do, including prices for labor and materials. Make sure the contract includes clean-up procedures and estimated start and completion dates. Never sign a contract with blanks that can be filled in later by the contractor.

Additional APCIA resources:

Toll-Free Claims Numbers for Policyholders

FL ICA & APCIA Consumer Guide: Don't Be a Victim: Prevent Contractor Fraud & Abuse

What to Do After a Hurricane

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery