PCI Offers Insurance Tips To Flooding Victims

Albany, NY - The unprecedented flooding that is ravaging the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states, has forced thousands of residents to evacuate the affected area. As the flood water subsides and officials announce that it is safe for individuals to return, residents will be facing the daunting task of cleaning water-logged and mud-filled homes.

If your home was damaged by the flooding and you purchased flood insurance though the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) there is much that can be done to make the recovery process smoother and to minimize further damage to property according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

Although flood insurance is provided by the federal government, it is often administered through private insurance companies, so call your agent or insurance company to report any damage. The more information you have about damaged possessions, the faster your claim can be settled.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America offers the following tips:
Call your insurance agent or insurer immediately to report your loss. It will be helpful to have the following information when you place the call: (1) the name of your insurance company; (2) the policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.

• Take photos. An insurance adjuster will need to see what has been damaged to properly process the claim. Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property.
  
• Separate damaged items from undamaged items. Protect undamaged items from further damage, and, if necessary, place items outside the home.
  
• If disposal of damaged items is necessary, keep a sample. If you must dispose of items, please keep a swatch or other sample of the damage (i.e.: cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) for the adjuster.
  
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include the age and value where possible. If possible, have receipts for those items available for the adjuster.
  
• Work with the adjuster. The adjuster will work with you to calculate the value of the damage sustained and prepare a repair estimate.
  
• Provide any damage estimates prepared by a contractor(s), to the adjuster since they will be considered in the preparation of your repair estimate.
  
• Stay covered and renew your flood insurance policy. Being flooded does not prevent you from renewing your policy.

There are certain things you can do to minimize the damage:

• Shovel or scrape the mud off your floors, furniture and walls before the mud dries. Then hose down the walls with clean water, starting from the ceiling.
  
• Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, can be washed and dried completely. In most cases, they will not be damaged unless they were operating at the time the water covered them.
  
• Diluted chlorine bleach can be used to clean household items, appliances, walls and floors. This also will help control odors.
  
• Wood furniture should be dried outdoors, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.

SOURCE: PCI