Travelers Catastrophe Response Team Assists Tornado Victims

Mobile Claim Offices dispatched to hardest hit areas

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In the wake of the tornadoes and severe weather that ravaged parts of Missouri, Minnesota and Kansas, Travelers has mobilized its Catastrophe Response Team to provide residents with insurance claim support. The company has stationed fully functional Mobile Claim Offices in Joplin, Mo., Minneapolis, Minn., and Topeka, Kan., as a resource for customers who need assistance. Travelers claim professionals provide guidance on the claims process and deliver advance payments to assist with basic needs for those customers who suffered severe damage as a result of a covered loss. Customers are welcome to visit a Mobile Claim Office to start a claim, learn about next steps or access third-party disaster resources from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. local time. Updated locations of the Mobile Claim Offices can be found on Travelers.com.

“The onslaught of tornadoes and other storms across the country have had a devastating impact on many communities,” said Patrick Gee, Senior Vice President, Claim for Travelers. “We want people to know that Travelers resources are available to help them begin the recovery process. We are focused on helping individuals, families and businesses obtain the services and support they need during this critical time.”

If a home or business has sustained damage as a result of the recent storms, individuals should make sure everyone is safe, report the claim, and then take the necessary steps to prevent further damage if it is possible to do so safely. Travelers claims can be reported by calling the numbers below, visiting a Mobile Claim Office, or reporting it online as follows:

• Home and Auto Insurance Claims:
  800.CLAIM33 (800.252.4633) / Report a Home or Auto Claim Online

• Business Insurance Claims:
  800.238.6225 / Report a Business Claim Online

For helpful information about what to do after experiencing property damage or to find updated locations of the Mobile Claim Offices, visit Travelers.com or follow updates on the Travelers Facebook and Twitter pages.

The latest tornadoes in the Midwest follow a series of tornadoes that swept across six southern states in April. With more than 400 deaths this year in the United States, 2011 marks the deadliest year for tornadoes since 1953, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Travelers staff at its National Catastrophe Center in Bloomfield, Conn., is also keeping a close watch on the recent hurricane season forecast. According to a report issued by NOAA late last week, the Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year. For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting 12 to 18 named storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes.

“We encourage residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to be vigilant about protecting themselves and their property during the upcoming hurricane season,” added Gee. “Advance planning and preparation will go a long way in keeping you, your family, your home and your business safe.”

The following safety measures can be taken in advance of a hurricane:

• Keep all windows and doors closed and tightly secured – The normal leakage of air around windows and doors tends to keep the air the pressure inside a home slightly lower than the atmospheric pressure caused by the storm outside so there is no need to leave doors or windows open.
• Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass – It is critical to protect windows and doors on all sides of the home, and the key is keeping all wind and water out with proper protection.
• Stay away from windows – Never lean or push against a window or door that is being blown inward by wind pressure. Also, stay away from all windows during a severe storm.

For more tips, please visit the Travelers disaster safety site.

Background on Mobile Claim Offices
These first-in-the-industry vehicles were developed as a result of lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew, which devastated parts of Florida in 1992. They are staffed by catastrophe response team members and equipped with everything required to process claims in the midst of a disaster, such as onboard computers and databases, printers, photocopiers, cell phones, and fax machines. Each vehicle has its own generator, so they can operate in places without electricity and can process claims through wireless or satellite connectivity if land lines are not available.

About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $25 billion in 2010. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.

The Travelers Companies, Inc.Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014

Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.