Keys to Insurance Recovery from Storm Damage8/31/2011
Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith has the following tips for residents and commercial businesses that sustain damage as a result of Hurricane Irene.
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), founded as the Maryland Insurance Division in 1872, is an independent State agency located in downtown Baltimore. This agency regulates Maryland’s $26 billion insurance industry and makes certain that insurance companies, health plans and producers (agents and brokers) comply with Maryland insurance law. The MIA also licenses over 110,000 producers and approximately 1,500 insurance companies, regulates insurance rates, monitors insurer solvency, investigates consumer complaints and travels across the State providing consumers with educational materials on insurance. These materials may also be found at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us.
21st Century Insurance AAA Insurance Exchange - Questions about Existing Claims 866-222-4663 Ext 67702 Allstate Atlantic States Agency Allied American Independent American Modern - Policy Questions 800-543-2644 Amica Balboa Brethren Mutual Baltimore Equitable 800-272-1794 Crum and Forster California Casualty Chartis THERESE M. GOLDSMITH Commissioner BETH SAMMIS KAREN STAKEM HORNIG Deputy Commissioners JOY HATCHETTE Associate Commissioner Consumer Education & Advocacy MARTIN O’MALLEY Governor ANTHONY G. BROWN Lt. Governor 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Direct Dial: 410-468-2029 Fax: 410-468-2430 Email: jhatchette@mdinsurance.state.md.us 1-800-492-6116 TTY: 1-800-735-2258 www.mdinsurance.state.md.us Chubb Cincinnati Insurance www.cinfin.com CNA - Questions about Existing Claims 877-706-0671 Cumberland Insurance Donegal Encompass - Questions about Existing Claims 800-340-3016 Electric Insurance Elephant Insurance Essurance ERIE 800-492-2709 Farmers and Mechanics 410-378-3447 Farmers Insurance Foremost Fireman's Fund GEICO GMAC Harford Mutual The Hartford Homesite Joint Insurance Association 800-492-5670 Liberty Mutual - Commercial Claims 800-259-2184 Lloyd's of London MAIF 410-269-1690 301-261-1913 MetLife Auto and Home Nationwide National Flood Insurance Program www.floodsmart.gov National Fire and Indemnity 314-825-3168 (after hours) Peninsula Insurance 877-954-5277 (after hours) Progressive Scottsdale Insurance Selective - Home and Auto Claims 866-455-9969 option 1 - Flood Claims 877-348-0552 option 1 State Auto State Farm Travelers - - Business Insurance Claims 800-238-6225 United States Liability Insurance Unitrin - Customer Service 800-437-8294 USAA www.usaa.com Westport Zurich List of Contacts for Property & Casualty Companies for Hurricane Irene Contact your insurance company or agent immediately to report your damage. As soon as it is safe, prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed property for the insurance adjuster and for you. Include a description of the item and quantity, if more than one, date of purchase or approximate age, cost at the time of purchase, and estimated replacement cost today to the extent possible. Take photographs or video of the damaged areas to help document your claim and assist in the insurance company’s investigation. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and for temporary living expenses if needed. Before removing any damaged property from the premises, be sure an insurance adjuster or your agent has evaluated the damage for their assessment. This is especially important if state or local officials begin debris removal operations on your property. Some other important reminders when recovering from storm damage include: Read your policy carefully so you understand what is covered and what is not. If you have to relocate temporarily, make sure the insurance company or agent knows your temporary address and telephone number. Make only those repairs necessary to prevent any further damage to your home or business. This includes covering roofs, walls or windows with plywood, canvas or other waterproof material. Do not have permanent repairs made without consulting your agent or company as unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed. If your insurance company denies any part of your claim, keep all the paperwork they send you. If your area is declared a disaster by the federal government, you may be eligible to file for federal relief by providing that proof. ? If you hire a public adjuster, understand that your insurance company is not obligated to follow what a public adjuster determines to be your loss. Any questions or concerns about insurance claims can be directed to the Maryland Insurance Administration at 800-492-6116 or online at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us. |