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September 15, 2008
HURRICANE IKE: Claims Handling Information
TCAIS member companies want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by Hurricane Ike this past weekend. While it will take some time to pull our communities back together, we pledge to do our part to make sure those affected homeowners have as smooth an insurance process as possible.
Catastrophe teams have been deployed in the affected areas and Texas insurers are working around the clock to assist homeowners with the claims filing process. Given that access to some areas is restricted to emergency responders only, the extraordinary number of claims in the system and the significantly high call and e-mail volume, the claims process may take longer than usual, even as companies ramp up resources.
Claims Handling Contact Information
Policyholders with questions regarding their coverage for damage caused by a hurricane should call the number provided on their policies or contact their insurance agent. Those policyholders unable to get to their policies can contact special toll-free numbers set up by insurance companies. Specific information for TCAIS member companies is below. The Insurance Information Institute has a list of claim contact numbers for a number of insurance companies here.
Policyholders who have windstorm coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) should advise their agent, who can file a claim on their behalf with TWIA. For more information, visit www.twia.org.
Flood insurance policyholders who don’t know who their insurer or administrator is can contact the National Flood Insurance Program (888-379-9531; http://www.floodsmart.gov). The only information required is your name, the state where you live and your zip code.
TCAIS Member Company Claims Contact Information and Other Storm Resources
Allstate policyholders can begin the claim process by:
- Link to Allstate Claims Center
- Claim reporting availability online or by calling 1-800-ALLSTATE
Nationwide policyholders can begin the claim process by:
- Link to Nationwide's Online Catastrophe Center
- Call the Nationwide Claims Hotline (1-800-421-3535) or visit the online Claims Center
State Farm policyholders can begin the claim process by:
- Contact a State Farm agent by phone 1-800-SF-CLAIM (1-800-732-5246) or in person, if they are able
- Go to www.statefarm.com
- Information about what to do after the storm
USAA policyholders can begin the claims process by:
- Report a claim online at USAA.com
- If that option is not available, you can call the claims hotline at 1-800-531-USAA
Make a Difference!
You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Donations can be made online, by contacting 1-800-REDCROSS or by mail to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.