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Recovery

FEMA Announces Proof of Loss Waiver for Hurricane Harvey Victims

September 4, 2017

FEMA Announces Proof of Loss Waiver for Hurricane Harvey Victims

To expedite processing of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims for Hurricane Harvey, the NFIP is waiving the requirement for a policyholder to submit an initial Proof of Loss (POL) document.

Here’s how the expedited process will work:

  • After a policyholder files a claim, a time is set up for the adjuster to inspect the flood damaged property. The adjuster will document the damage and submit a report to the policyholder’s insurance company.
  • If additional damage is discovered or a policyholder does not agree with the payment amount, a policyholder can seek additional payment if the policy’s coverage limits have not been met. A POL will be required to seek supplement payment on the claim. If payment is issued based upon the adjuster’s initial report and an additional proof of loss is not submitted by the policyholder, the insurer will close the file.

If a policyholder decides to request an additional payment, which must be done by completing a POL, the policyholder will have one year from the date of filing the initial claim, to submit the request it to the insurance company. FEMA has informed all of its NFIP insurance partners about this process and how it will work.  NFIP policyholders are encouraged to work closely with an adjuster on this expedited process.

NFIP policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurance company and report a flood claim as soon as possible. If someone is unsure if he/she has flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program; does not know how to contact his/her agent or company; or has an NFIP Direct policy, call 1-800-621-3362, select option 2, and speak with the NFIP call center. The TTY number is TTY 1-800-462-7585.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov.

Insurance Claim Tips / Consejos Para Reclamaciones De Seguros

September 4, 2017

Taking a little extra time before filing a claim will help reduce errors and speed up the claim process.  Here are a few tips to help with the claim process and get you started on the road to recovery.

Before contacting your agent

In order to speed up the claims process, have the following information ready: address, policy number, date and time of the loss/damage, and your contact information-especially if you are unable to stay in your home.

Gather all evidence of loss

  • Make a detailed list of missing and damaged property-compare the list to your property inventory if you have it.
  • Video or photograph your damaged property before beginning any repairs.
  • Do not throw away throw away damaged property without your adjuster’s approval.
  • Document the value of each object damaged/lost. Include bills of sale, canceled checks, and credit card statements.  Estimate the value and record dates and locations of purchases if you don’t have any receipts.
  • Make a list of cleaning and repair bills; including materials, rented and purchased equipment. Save all receipts.
  • If you are unable to stay in your home, record any additional living expenses such as car rental, hotel and restaurant bills.

Put the evidence in a safe place

Make a copy of all your evidence for the adjuster and keep the original documents in a safe location to prevent them getting lost or damaged.

Review your policy before you contact your agent

Knowing your policy can help reduce confusion during the claims process.  Have a copy of your policy on hand when meeting with your adjuster.

Start a log documenting your claim

Create a contact log and record information for each contact with your insurance company.  Include dates, conversation summaries and names, titles, and contact information of claims personnel.  This will help speed up the claims process.

Don’t rush to settle your claim.  Allow enough time to evaluate and document the full extent of the damage, as some damage may not be immediately apparent.


Consejos Para Reclamaciones De Seguros

Tomar un poco de tiempo extra antes de presentar una reclamación ayudará a reducir los errores y acelerará el proceso de reclamación. Éstos son algunos consejos para ayudar con el proceso de reclamación y empezar en el camino hacia la recuperación.

Antes de ponerse en contacto con su agente

Con el fin de acelerar el proceso de reclamaciones, tenga a mano la siguiente información: dirección, número de póliza, fecha y hora de la pérdida / daño, e información de contacto, especialmente si no puede permanecer en su casa.

Reúna todas las pruebas de pérdida

  • Haga una lista detallada de la propiedad perdida o dañada: compare la lista con el inventario de su propiedad si la tiene.
  • Video o fotografía su propiedad dañada antes de comenzar cualquier reparación.
  • No tire a la basura la propiedad dañada sin la aprobación de su ajustador
  • Documentar el valor de cada objeto dañado / perdido. Incluya facturas de venta, cheques cancelados y estados de cuenta de tarjetas de crédito. Calcule el valor y registre las fechas y ubicaciones de las compras si no tiene recibos.
  • Haga una lista de las facturas de limpieza y reparación; incluyendo materiales, equipos alquilados y comprado. Guarde todos los recibos.
  • Si no puede permanecer en su casa, anote cualquier gasto adicional como alquiler de automóviles, facturas de hoteles y restaurantes.

Poner Las Pruebas En Un Lugar Seguro

Haga una copia de todas sus pruebas para el ajustador y guarde los documentos originales en un lugar seguro para evitar que se pierdan o se dañen.

Revise su póliza antes de ponerse en contacto con su agente

Conocer su póliza puede ayudar a reducir la confusión durante el proceso de reclamos. Tenga a mano una copia de su póliza cuando se reúna con su ajustador.

Iniciar Un Registro Que Documenta Su Reclamo

Cree un registro de contacto y registre información para cada contacto con su compañía de seguros. Incluya fechas, resúmenes de conversación y nombres, títulos e información de contacto del personal de reclamos. Esto ayudará a acelerar el proceso de reclamos.

No se apresure a resolver su reclamo. Deje suficiente tiempo para evaluar y documentar toda la extensión del daño, ya que algunos daños pueden no ser inmediatamente evidentes.

FEMA Announces Grace Period for Policy Renewals

September 4, 2017

FEMA Announces Grace Period for Policy Renewals

As many people remain unable to get into their homes and are facing additional financial hardships as a result of the flooding. FEMA wants to ensure that policyholders affected by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey can focus on their immediate needs, begin to recover, and continue to have flood insurance coverage in the event of additional flooding. Effective today, the NFIP is extending the grace period for payment of renewal premiums from 30 days to 120 days.

The grace period extension applies to:

  • Policies covering properties in Texas counties designated under the Presidential Disaster Declaration; and policies with renewal dates or underpayment notices with payments due between July 24 – September 22, 2017. The NFIP cannot pay a claim for a flood loss that occurs after a policy expiration date unless the policyholder’s insurance company receives the payment for renewal on or before the last day of the grace period.

For any policy with a renewal date on or after September 23, 2017, the normal 30-day grace period will apply.

NFIP policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurance company and report a flood claim as soon as possible. If someone is unsure if he/she has flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program; does not know how to contact his/her agent or company; or has an NFIP Direct policy, call 1-800-621-3362, select option 2, and speak with the NFIP call center. The TTY number is TTY 1-800-462-7585.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov.

 

FEMA Enhances the Flood Claims Process by Allowing Advanced Payments

September 4, 2017

FEMA Enhances the Flood Claims Process by Allowing Advanced Payments

The National Flood Insurance Program NFIP is making it easier for policyholders to receive an advance payment for their flood claim to help them begin the process of recovery as quickly as possible. After filing a flood insurance claim, the policyholder can discuss advance payment with the insurer:

  • When a policyholder contacts his/her insurer and verifies his/her identity, he/she can receive an advance payment for up to $5,000 on a flood claim, without an adjuster visit or additional documentation.  When the advance payment is issued, a letter is sent as well to the policyholder, which explains that by accepting this payment, the policyholder is certifying the damage.
  • Up to $20,000 may be advanced to a policyholder who provides photos and/or videos depicting damage and receipts validating out-of-pocket expenses related to flood loss, or a contractor’s itemized estimate. Policyholders with significant damage who have a contractor’s itemized estimate may be eligible for a larger advance payment and should discuss this with the adjuster.

Advance payments are deducted from a policyholder’s final claim settlement amount. Advance payments may only be used according to the terms of the policy. For example, if a policyholder has a building/structure flood insurance policy, the advance payment must be used to repair or rebuild the structure. Or if a policyholder has contents coverage, the advance payment must be used to repair or replace contents that were within the structure. Advance payments may not be used for temporary housing and living expenses.

If a policyholder’s property is mortgaged, the lender will also be named on the advance payment issued for a building/structure flood insurance policy. In this case, the policyholder and lender will both be required to sign the advance payment check.

 NFIP policyholders are encouraged to contact their insurance company and report a flood claim as soon as possible. If someone is unsure if he/she has flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program; does not know how to contact his/her agent or company; or has an NFIP Direct policy, call 1-800-621-3362, select option 2, and speak with the NFIP call center. The TTY number is TTY 1-800-462-7585.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA Video: FEMA Registration Process – Home Inspections/Follow Up with FEMA

September 4, 2017

FEMA video about what to expect when registering for FEMA after a disaster – part two of two videos – in American Sign Language (ASL).

[Transcript:]

This is the second video for what to expect when registering with FEMA.

Step Two: Inspections

After you register, a FEMA-contracted inspector may call you to set up an appointment to assess your damaged property.

Inspectors will never ask for bank account information, and there is no cost for the inspection.

When FEMA inspectors arrive at a home, they will display official photo identification. If the photo identification is not displayed, it is important to ask to see it.

Make sure your home or mailbox number is easily visible from the road. As part of the inspection process, you must provide proof of ownership or occupancy.

  • Homeowners may show a tax bill, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address.
  • Renters may show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID.

Step Three: Follow Up With FEMA

After registering for assistance, you will receive a letter regarding your application status. Some applicants may receive an SMS/text message. The letter will explain the status of your application and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully.

It is important to read and follow up with any correspondence from FEMA. You may have to log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov or call the helpline at 800-621-3362 to keep the application process moving. You are also urged to keep your contact information updated with a current address and phone number to ensure FEMA can reach you with new information or questions.

*Video published August 30, 2017 via the FEMA YouTube Channel*

Document your Damage / Documente su Daño

September 4, 2017

You CAN start cleaning up your home before FEMA arrives to do an inspection, however you MUST document EVERYTHING!  The information is critical for estimating and verifying damage.  Also, make sure you back your photos up somewhere such as a cloud drive or external hard drive.  If the photos are lost or compromised, you may not receive FEMA assistance.

Helpful Tips on Documenting Damage

  • Take photos before cleaning up
  • Take pictures of the debris piles during and after cleanup
  • Save a sample of wet carpet and pad underneath
  • Leave up a sheet of drywall for reference
  • Take a photo of the model numbers of all damaged appliances

 


 

Documente su Daño!

PUEDE comenzar a limpiar su casa antes de que FEMA llegue para hacer una inspección, sin embargo DEBE documentar TODO! La información es crítica para estimar y verificar el daño. Además, asegúrese de respaldar sus fotos en algún lugar como una unidad de nube o disco duro externo. Si las fotos se pierden o se ponen en peligro, es posible que no reciba asistencia de FEMA.

Consejos útiles para documentar los daños

  • Tomar fotos antes de limpiar
  • Tomar fotografías de las pilas de desechos durante y después de la limpieza
  • Guardar una muestra de alfombra húmeda y almohadilla debajo
  • Deje una hoja de yeso para referencia
  • Tomar una foto de los números de modelo de todos los electrodomésticos dañados

 

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