Insurers Focused on Helping Policyholders Begin the Recovery Process After Hurricane Debby; Homeowners Urged to File Insurance Claims As Soon As Possible

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As Florida begins to focus on recovery and as Hurricane Debby continues to impact states along the east coast, insurers are deploying all available resources to help their policyholders begin the claims and recovery process. APCIA urges residents who experienced damage to their home, vehicle, or business to contact their insurer as soon as they can safely do so. Due to Hurricane Debby's extensive rainfall and flooding, homeowners with flood-related damage are urged to contact their flood insurer as soon as possible to file a claim.

"The first step to recovery following a catastrophic weather event is to contact your insurer to begin the claims process," said Michael Richmond-Crum, senior director of at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. "Insurers are dedicated to helping their policyholders recover from Hurricane Debby by quickly reviewing every claim to pay for covered losses."

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. 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. If you are evacuated, you do not need to wait until you can return home before starting your claim. You can contact your insurer while evacuated to begin the claims process.
• 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.

If your home is flooded:

• Shovel or scrape mud off floors, furniture, and walls before the mud dries. Then hose down the walls with clean water, starting from the ceiling.
• Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, can be washed and dried completely. In most cases, they will not be damaged unless they were operating at the time the water covered them.
• Diluted chlorine bleach can be used to clean household items, appliances, walls, and floors and will help control odors.
• Wood furniture should be dried outdoors, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.
• Food utensils and equipment should be washed thoroughly and sterilized before using. Any food that is open and exposed to flood waters should be discarded.

If your vehicle is flooded:

• Be cautious about starting a vehicle that has been exposed to flood waters, and if your vehicle is missing, report it to the police.
• If the water is above the floorboards, or the seats are wet, do not try to start the car. The electrical system is the most sensitive to water damage and trying to start the car could cause more damage.
• Open the hood and check the air filter. If it is wet, do not try to start the car.
• Report the loss to your auto insurer and protect the car from further damage by covering any broken windows. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has chosen to purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage.

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.

Editor's note: Experts from the insurance industry are available to answer questions about the claims and recovery process after a hurricane or tropical storm. Reporters can contact Sarah Revell at [email protected]to ask insurance-related questions or set up interviews.

Additional APCIA resources:

Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery

What to Do After a Hurricane

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

How to Avoid Contractor Fraud & Abuse

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