Insurers Advise Coastal Residents in Texas: Don’t Take Ike For Granted

Residents along the Gulf Coast of Texas can learn a lot from the experiences of those people in Texas, Louisiana and Florida who were victims of recent hurricanes during recent active tropical seasons, an insurance industry spokeswoman said Sept. 9.

As we’ve seen in the past, a lot of people can be displaced during a hurricane. We want those affected by storms to be able to rebuild their homes and put their lives back together as quickly as possible,” said Sandra Helin, public affairs director of Southwestern Insurance Information Service, an industry trade group.

If a hurricane or large tropical storm were to strike anywhere within the 15 coastal counties of Texas, the task of filing and settling an insurance claim can be much less time consuming by following some simple steps, according to Helin.

“Many people wait until a hurricane is too close before they fortify their homes and prepare helpful documentation which makes submitting a claim easier,” she said. “No one can be certain where Hurricane Ike will strike, but it’s important to listen to the authorities and evacuate if necessary for your own safety.

“It’s important to have an inventory of the possessions in your home,” she continued. “Photos or videotape recordings of these items are very helpful to claim adjusters if damage occurs.”

Review your insurance policy to be certain adequate coverage is provided. If questions arise, talk to your insurance agent, Helin said.

“Flooding is not covered by the standard Texas homeowners insurance policy,” she explained. “Insurance agents can help you find flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, but it takes 30 days for a flood policy to go into effect.”

Conservative estimates indicate that about 50 percent of those who rent apartments do not have insurance to cover their household belongings, Helin added.

“A hand-written or videotape inventory as well as your homeowners insurance policy should be moved to a safe place, away from the path of the storm to avoid damage,” she said. Helin said business owners should follow the same precautions, as well as a few others.

“Company files should be stored offline and digital photos should be taken of all equipment such as computers and office furniture,” she noted. “Important documents should be scanned and stored in a safe location.”

It is too early for the experts to predict the exact location Hurricane Ike will make landfall, but right now, not later, is the time to begin taking action which will keep you and your family safe,” she concluded

Source: Southwestern Insurance Information Service

Posted: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 4:22:15 PM.

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