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INSURANCE CLAIMS If there is damage to your home, contact your insurance company as soon as possible so that an adjuster can come to your home and appraise the damage. Remember, in a disaster situation, someone may not come immediately. Try to be patient. While you are waiting, follow these helpful steps to expedite the adjuster's evaluation of the damages. KNOWLEDGE BEFORE THE STORM Review your insurance coverage to make sure it is adequate. Hurricane damage is covered under a standard homeowners policy, but it is very important to insure your home and belongings to their full replacement cost. Flooding is generally not covered under standard homeowners policies, so ask your agent about flood insurance. Know the difference between replacement cost versus actual cost. If a hurricane destroys a television bought in 1995 for $700 with a current market value of $300, the actual cost will pay only $300 for the television. Take an inventory of your possessions. Pictures or video recordings may also be helpful for insurance purposes. Store the inventory list and pictures/videos off the premises to help facilitate the claim filing process. Know your insurance company, your insurance agent and how to get in touch with them quickly. If you rent a house or apartment, talk to your agent about purchasing a renters insurance policy if you don't already have one. 51.5 % THE PERCENTAGE OF U.S. HOMES THAT HAVE A PREPARED EMERGENCY EVACUATION KIT. THE PRICE OF A STORM Although it was classified as a Category 3, Hurricane Katrina is the most costly hurricane in the United States, with damages of $105,840,000,000. StatisticBrain.com 12

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