DWP offers tips for submitting claims for Sunset Boulevard, UCLA flood damage

Aug. 02--Los Angeles Department of Water and Power released information Friday on how those who sustained property damage or injury during Tuesday's water main break near UCLA can submit a claim.

"While our focus is on making those repairs and reopening Sunset Boulevard as quickly as possible, we also are very much aware that this incident impacted the lives and property of many students, residents, faculty, and others in the nearby community surrounding UCLA and the UCLA campus directly," according to an LADWP statement. "During repairs, and after they are complete, we want to assure you that we are here to help anyone who sustained damages."

A 30-inch, 93-year-old main ruptured underneath Sunset Boulevard near UCLA on Tuesday, causing the street to buckle and damaging campus buildings, including the Pauley Pavilion. Two parking lots also were flooded and at least 1,000 vehicles were stranding in those lots. UCLA began moving them Thursday night.

The LADWP offers these answers to questions:

1. Who can file a claim?

Any person may file a claim for damages because of the water main break. Claims may be for damage and repair of property (vehicles, electronic equipment, personal items, etc.) and/or for personal injury. All claimed losses, whether involving property and/or personal injury will be reviewed, however, the submission of a claim itself is not a guarantee of payment. When you submit your claim, you will receive an assigned claim number for reference.

2. What may I file a claim for and who needs to file the claim with LADWP?

You may file a claim for damage and repair of property and/or for personal injury with the LADWP for losses due to Tuesday's Sunset-UCLA water main break. However, you must be the owner of the property to file the claim and receive payment. For example, if a vehicle you were driving was damaged, but is owned by a parent, friend, etc., the owner of the vehicle must make the claim for damage. If the damaged vehicle was a leased vehicle, LADWP urges you to immediately contact the leasing agency for advice about who should file the claim.

3. My dad owns the car but several items inside the vehicle belonging to me were damaged. Do I need to file a separate claim?

Yes. If someone else owns the vehicle but you separately own items that were in the vehicle and damaged, two claims need to be filed, one by the owner for the vehicle damage and repair, and one by you for your personal items that were damaged and repaired. In the case of electronic equipment that was damaged or destroyed in a vehicle, purchase documents or other documents may prove ownership and should be filed with the claim or sent to LADWP as soon after filing your claim as possible.

4. How long do I have to file a claim?

You have six months from July 29, 2014, to file a claim for personal injury or loss/damage to personal property. The last day to submit a claim is January 29, 2015.

5. I needed a rental when my car was in the shop. Will my rental expenses be reimbursed?

Yes. Reasonable rental costs of a same or similar vehicle type will be considered while your primary vehicle is being evaluated, repaired, or declared a total loss. Note: Expenses that are normally associated with the use and operation of a vehicle, such as gasoline, insurance expenses, etc., are not reimbursed.

6. My car was damaged or a total loss. What do I do if a rental car company says I'm too young to rent a car?

We realize that this is a possibility for many students. If you are in this situation, we encourage you to use public transit. Keep your receipts for these types of services and submit them. They will be considered as part of your claim for damage reimbursement.

7. My insurance carrier says that I'm not covered for this type of loss.

That's OK. LADWP has hired certified professional vehicle appraisers to inspect and appraise your vehicle for damage. That inspection and appraisal will become part of your claim once you file a claim with us.

8. Should I contact and file a claim with my vehicle insurance carrier first?

LADWP recommends that you report this incident to your automobile insurance carrier because an insurance claim and settlement is the quickest way for you to be reimbursed for a vehicle that is damaged and repaired or lost.

9. My insurance carrier says that I have a deductible. Why should I have to pay it?

LADWP will work with your insurance carrier to waive your deductible once the utility receives notification from them of their intention to file a claim for reimbursement.

10. How much money will I get from LADWP for my car?

Each claim for vehicle damage and repair will be evaluated on its individual merits. Generally you will receive the amount necessary and reasonable to repair the vehicle up to the actual cash value of your vehicle at the time of the loss.

11. What should I submit with my claim

Any receipts, photographs, documents, ownership information, etc., that will support your claim for damage / repair.

12. When I mail my claim in how will I know it will be processed?

Claim information can be found at www.ladwp.com/claims.

Claims should be submitted to:

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Attn: Claims Section,

UCLA CLAIM

P.O. Box 51111, Room 342

Los Angeles, Ca 90051-0100

Or via Email to: [email protected]. Write "UCLA CLAIM" in the subject line.

For additional assistance call (213) 367-4600 or [email protected]

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