Worried about Hurricane Insurance Claims?

Newsroom
Published: September 2, 2008

Insurance companies have plans well underway to help in the event Tropical Storm Hanna heads toward South Carolina. Companies have prepared for adjusters to move in as soon as the storm ends to begin handling customers’ insurance claims. 

Some insurance companies and agents have stopped selling homeowners’ insurance policies along the South Carolina coastal areas.  Wind and hail insurance has a fifteen day waiting period and flood insurance carries a thirty day waiting period, but both policies can still be purchased.

If Hanna gets any closer to South Carolina’s coast, the South Carolina Insurance News Service will provide you with the latest insurance information available. 

This will include:
-Toll-free insurance company customer claim numbers
-Individual insurance company contacts
-Damage estimates
-Insurance industry response teams

The South Carolina Insurance Service offers the following tips for residents before the storm:
-Locate insurance policies, name and telephone number of insurance agent and take this information with you if you evacuate.
-Update or take a home inventory.  This can be as simple as making a list of personal belongings, taking pictures or using a video camera to document your property.
-Protect property before the storm by covering windows and glass doors with plywood. 
-Secure outdoor furniture. Secure any automobiles.
-If damage occurs, protect property from additional damage by covering the roof and windows as soon as possible.
-Survey damages before contacting insurance agent or company.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service has a free, downloadable home inventory software package available on its website at http://www.scinsnews.com
Protect your family from harm by evacuating if necessary.

For more information on hurricane insurance, click here.