American Property Casualty Insurance Association: Insurers Ready to Respond to Houston's Deadly Severe Weather Damage

DALLAS, Texas, May 18 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following news release:

Following the deadly and destructive severe weather event that resulted in significant wind-related damage and widespread power outages across the Houston area overnight, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) says insurers are ready to help impacted residents begin the recovery process and urges those who experienced damage to contact their insurer as soon as they can safely do so.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this devastating and deadly severe weather event," said David Sampson, APCIA president & CEO. "The insurance industry's overwhelming priority when disaster strikes is to help their customers restore their property. The first step to recovery after your property is damaged or destroyed is to file a claim with your insurer as soon as you can safely do so. Insurers are ready to help."

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

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

* Reach out to your insurer or agent as soon as you can safely do so to file a claim. Insurers can be reached 24-7 through their toll-free claims number or via text, app, or website.

* Secure your property from further damage or theft, if possible.

* Make an inventory of what was lost or damaged and photograph the damage to provide to your insurance adjuster. Compile receipts, descriptions, and photos of your home's contents.

* Be aware of unscrupulous contractors or other third parties seeking to involve themselves with the insurance claims and damage repair process following a natural disaster. It is important to carefully consider any proposals from contractors, public adjusters, and lawyers offering to help with the insurance claim and damage repair process. Before signing any contracts, call your insurer first to report the damage and get your claim started.

Is damage to my home, business and vehicle caused by severe wind covered by insurance?

* Damage associated with severe storms, such as thunderstorms that may produce tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy. However, it is important to review your individual policy language carefully as coverage for wind-related losses may vary.

* Businesses that have business property coverage and experienced a loss should make a list of their inventory that has been damaged or destroyed. If your business has been closed due to a covered loss or loss of power, you may have business interruption coverage available under your policy. Talk to your agent or company.

* Damage to a vehicle is typically covered if the policyholder's auto policy includes comprehensive insurance 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 damage. 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.

* Be aware of unscrupulous contractors following a natural disaster. Contact your insurer, agent, or local business bureau for references on potential contractors and ask for certificates of liability and workers compensation before signing contracts.

* If you are a business owner, keep detailed records of business activity that is negatively affected due to the loss event and keep a list of extra expenses during the interruption. Prepare records to show the income from the business before and after the loss.

APCIA offers resources with vital information for those impacted by severe weather, as well as preparedness tips for those living in areas prone to severe weather.

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Original text here: https://www.apci.org/media/news-releases/release/80683/