Post Katrina Resources for Agents

The NFIP is working in a close and unprecedented partnership with the insurance industry and companies that write flood insurance to process claims and resolve issues for both policyholders and agents. There are several sources of information available to agents and consumers to help them during this difficult time.

Important Claims Information

• Proof-of-loss requirements have been waived for 12 months and the NFIP urges WYO companies to provide advance checks of around $3,000 to policyholders who carry contents coverage.
• Insurance experts are available in most FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help flood victims in person with the claims process.
• It will be possible to pay the policy limits through dialogue with the insured and without waiting for a site visit to adjust the loss.
  • The NFIP is utilizing all available data on water depths, aerial imagery, and information from underwriting files, to determine properties where it is readily apparent that flood damage covered by the policy will exceed the amount of insurance purchased.
  • This process may be used when homes have been washed off their foundations, affected for long periods by standing water, or when only pilings or a slab remain.
• Adjusters have been instructed to assist policyholders in developing a list of their contents and appliances damaged by flood waters. Serial and model numbers are not needed, and a list of contents by major grouping may be submitted, rather than a comprehensive list.

Call Center Resources

• Policyholders who may have left home without their important insurance documents can call the NFIP general information line at 1-800-427-4661 to be connected directly to their insurance company.
• The NFIP is participating for the first time in the industry-wide insurance referral network set up with the Insurance Information Institute. Victims can call the Hurricane Insurance Information Center at 1-800-942-4242 to be connected to their flood or homeowners insurance carrier.

Online Resources

• FloodSmart.gov/postflood has several resources available for agents and consumers to help them through the claims process including the NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook and the NFIP Summary of Coverage.
• Click here for a listing of insurance company phone numbers, along with additional insurance information.
• The insurance industry has set up a Hurricane Insurance Information Center with claim filing tips and general insurance coverage information. The Center serves as a reference point, directing people to other sources of assistance for help. Click here for this valuable online resource.
• PIA National has launched a post-Katrina resource center to help PIA member agents and consumers in affected states cope with post-disaster issues. Click here to gain important information including notices from insurance carriers, volunteer opportunities, 1-800 numbers, and links to other sources of online information.
• The PIA of Louisiana has set up a Hurricane Resource Center that has useful information for agents, carriers, and policyholders. A locater database has been set up to help policyholders find displaced agents. Click here to add you current contact information. The agent center also has information about reentry into flooded areas and information for agents from the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
• The PIA of Florida has a hurricane season resource center that offers tips and information specific to Katrina as well as other important hurricane season materials.

FloodSmart will continue to send updates as new information becomes available.

Links:

www.fema.gov/nfip

www.disasterinformation.org

www.FloodSmart.gov/postflood

www.pianet.org/katrina

www.piaoflouisiana.org

www.piafl.org/hurricane05.htm