Claim Reporting Guidelines Before, During and After a Storm

Photo credit: (file) Dept of Public Works Highways Division

During last week’s approach of Hurricane Lane, insurance companies across the state worked to get customers and the public updated on what to do before, during and after a storm.

With three more months of hurricane season left to go in Hawaiʻi, the information guidelines compiled are still applicable in the event of a future natural disaster.

First Insurance Company of Hawaiʻi was one of those that provided claim reporting guidelines for what the public can do to prepare.  The company also dispatched catastrophe adjusters from the mainland and established a call center to take claims.

Here are tips to stay safe during and after a storm, and to help you through the claims process.

During the storm:

• If you stay home during a tropical storm or hurricane, always stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Get on the side of the house opposite from the wind.
• Use telephones for emergencies only.
• Listen for radio or television reports from the National Weather Service and follow instructions.
• Avoid using utilities during the storm. Instead, rely on battery-powered appliances and use candles with caution.
• If you evacuate your home, take family pets and other valuables with you. You may not have the opportunity to retrieve these items later.

After the storm:

• • Protect your health by making sure refrigerated food has not spoiled.
  • Watch for falling objects as weakened tree limbs or structural debris may collapse and cause serious injury.
  • Avoid electrical shock by not touching any wires or objects that are in contact with them.
  • Monitor radio and/or television for reports before leaving your home or evacuation shelter.

In the event of a loss:

Report your loss promptly; Report your loss only once; and provide the following information with the report of a loss:

• Policy Number
• Named Insured on the Policy
• Date, Time, and Location of the loss or damage
• Description of the damage
• All contact information for the insured and/or representatives
• If multiple buildings, please specify which buildings are damaged with specific addresses

After a claim has been received: a claims representative will call to speak with you about the loss and arrange an inspection of the damaged property. This list is intended to help you with the claims process.

• Look for potential safety risks. If the building is unstable, do not enter.
• Report downed power lines or gas leaks to authorities as soon as possible.
• Make emergency repairs to your building to mitigate your damages when safe.
• Protect personal property from further damage.
• Take photographs of your damaged property.
• Do not discard any item without first speaking with a claims representative.
• Keep an accurate record of any repair expenditures.
• Be prepared to provide copies of all documents (inventories, receipts, invoices, etc.) to the claims representative.