HOW TO REPORT LOSSES, MAKE CLAIMS
IIABA offers tips for contacting agents and reporting damages  

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) have put out a quick list of tips that help consumers deal with the aftermath of a natural disaster.

“In the aftermath of a natural disaster, like Hurricane Katrina, there are several steps consumers should take that help make managing their losses and damages easier,” says IIABA CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt. “These steps will help individuals get their claims processed and get on with their lives as quickly and easily as humanly possible.”

IIABA recommends the following:

• Call your independent insurance agent . Report the damage you know to your insurance agent; explain your overall situation. Ask any question you may think of. Am I covered? How long will it take to process my claim? Do I need to obtain estimates? If your agent has lost his or her business in the disaster as well, call the insurance company claim number directly. If you have lost your insurance policies and phone numbers for your insurance agent or company, call the state office for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of your state, and it will provide you with a phone number for either your agency or the company you identify.
• Do not return to your home until local authorities permit your return. Once you return home, do not enter the house until you examine the outside . Look at the foundation, any porches, stairs, overhangs, for any possible structural/foundation damage. If any structural support is missing or broken, the house is not safe. If there is obvious damage, have a building inspector check the house before you go in.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further weather related damage. Save receipts for any material you buy.
• Take photos of any damaged itemsbefore you make any repairs. Make lists of these items. Include any information you have on the items such as brands, model numbers, where purchased, when purchased, etc. If you have old receipts or bills, gather them together. Even after you take photos, do not throw out expensive items because the adjuster will need to see them.

• Keep copies of all lists and documents you submit to your insurance agent, or your insurance agent gives you.

Additionally, there is an excellent Web site, “Claims in a Catastrophe,” that can help policyholders in this time of need. It can be found at http://www.zalma.com/catastrophe.htm.

Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.