Since the first week of June marks the start of hurricane season, it is important to be prepared for possible storms. Hurricane season can present challenges, but with proper preparation and understanding of the claims process, you can navigate it more effectively. Dionna, our claims manager, is here to share her storm recovery expertise and provide valuable tips to help you prepare and respond to potential hurricane damage.
Meet the Director of Claims
Dionna Chambers has extensive experience in the insurance industry, particularly in natural disaster claims management. Your job is to guide policyholders and our agent partners through the claims process and ensure they have the support and resources they need to recover from a storm. With her deep understanding of the complexities involved, Dionna is committed to helping our clients get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
Dive deep into the claims process
Filing a claim after a hurricane can be overwhelming, but knowing the steps can make the process smoother. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Immediate reporting: As soon as it is safe to do so, report your loss to your insurance carrier. Quick reporting helps initiate the process more quickly.
Documentation: Take photos and videos of any damage and debris. The more documentation you have, the better.
Temporary repairs: Limit further damage with temporary repairs. Keep receipts for any expenses incurred as they may be reimbursable.
Detailed records: Maintain detailed records of all communications and expenses related to the claim.
Access and Collaboration: Allow access to your property for inspections and work with your insurance carrier by providing all necessary documentation.
Insights behind the scenes
Handling hurricane-related claims is complex and presents unique challenges. The sheer volume of claims can overwhelm carriers and cause delays. Competition for resources such as contractors and repair services can further complicate the process. Rising construction costs and increased opportunities for fraud increase the challenges. Additionally, local carriers often face the double burden of managing their losses while supporting customers.
Bankers Insurance Group overcomes these challenges by:
Advanced preparation: Before hurricane season begins, we conduct extensive training for our caseworkers and customer service teams. We also work with a network of trusted contractors, repair services and temp agencies to ensure we can expand quickly when needed!
Efficient resource allocation: By using predictive analytics and historical data, we anticipate the potential impacts of hurricanes and allocate resources accordingly. This means that adjusters and supplies must be pre-positioned in strategic locations for rapid response to affected areas.
Improved communication: Clear and constant communication is key! We regularly inform our policyholders via various channels – telephone, email and SMS. This ensures that our customers are informed about the status of their claims and any necessary actions.
Fraud protection: To address the increased risk of fraud during disasters, our claims adjusters are trained to identify red flags and address suspicious activity.
Community engagement: We are working with local communities to coordinate relief efforts. By working together, we can ensure a more organized and efficient response to widespread damage.
Through these strategies, we ensure that we are not only prepared for the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, but also committed to supporting our policyholders every step of their recovery journey.
Hurricane Season Preparation Tips
Dionna offers the following advice to prepare you for hurricane season:
Policy documents: Print a copy of your insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
Photos before the storm: For comparison, take photos of your property a few days before the storm.
Emergency contacts: Save the damage phone number in your contacts and write it down.
Important records: Keep copies of important business documents in a safe place.
Security plans: Develop and communicate a safety plan for your employees and customers.
Alternative operations: Prepare for a possible move and alternative methods of communication.
Physical preparation: Clean gutters, secure outdoor properties and secure electronic data.
Supply chain: Identify alternative suppliers and consider backup power supplies for critical operations.
Contact your agent: If you have any questions about insurance coverage, e.g. In the event of theft, power outage, or loss of business income, contact your broker before the storm.
When a hurricane or storm approaches
If you know a hurricane or storm is approaching, take the following actions:
Print your policy: Keep a printed copy of your policy in a safe, easily accessible location.
Back up important records: Keep important business documents such as receipts, inventory lists and income records in a safe place.
Add contacts: Save the damage phone number in your cell phone contacts and write it down in your important documents.
Take photos before the storm: If possible, take photos of your property a few days before the storm.
Safety first: Focus on the safety of your customers and employees by creating a protection plan.
Document communication: Train your employees to document all calls from your carrier, agent, and contractor.
Alternative communication: Implement alternative ways for your customers to reach you if they need to move.
Moving plan: Prepare for the possibility of moving to another location.
Back up data: Make sure all electronic data is backed up before the storm.
Emergency power: Consider installing emergency power supplies for critical operations.
Alternative suppliers: Identify alternative suppliers if your usual suppliers are also affected.
Physical preparation: Clean gutters and drains, seal doors and windows, invest in shatterproof glass, trim nearby trees, secure outdoor properties, and remove important documents and property from doors and windows.
Electronic money transfer: Be prepared for the possibility of electronic funds transfer and wire transfer for claims payments.
If you suffer a loss
If you suffer damage from a hurricane, follow these steps:
Report the claim: Report your damage as quickly as possible.
Damage limitation: Make temporary repairs and secure your property. Keep a detailed record of expenses incurred.
Document damage: Take photos and videos of damage and debris. More documentation is better.
Grant access: Work with your shipper to provide all necessary documentation and access to your property.
Track communications: Make sure all employees keep an eye on agent, carrier and contractor communications.
Reliable contractors: Identify and contact reliable, licensed and insured contractors to help with repairs.
Data recovery: Restore and backup data if necessary.
Proper disposal: Establish proper disposal procedures and store damaged property until inspected by your insurance carrier. Your carrier may require you to return damaged equipment.
Stay safe and prepared
Preparing for hurricane season can significantly reduce the stress and impact of a storm. By following the advice of our claims manager, Dionna, and understanding the claims process, you can ensure a faster recovery. For more information and resources, visit our Storm Center website.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit our Hurricane Readiness Kit and Storm Center to learn how to file a claim and prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Stay safe and be prepared!
