Auto insurance claims are already being reported by South Florida residents whose vehicles were inundated by this week’s historic flooding.
Several insurers contacted for this report said it was too soon to provide claims tallies, but State Farm, one of the nation’s largest insurers, received 820 claims by late Thursday afternoon, spokeswoman Michal Brower said.
Brower and rival Geico said their companies were responding to claims reports on Thursday.
“We continually monitor and are ready and available to respond to our customers with damage from storms,” Brower said by email. “Customers with damage are encouraged to report their damage/claim as soon as possible.”
A Geico representative did not provide a claims tally but said by email, “Our teams are already on the ground assisting customers in South Florida impacted by the severe flooding.”
Progressive Insurance spokesman Jeff Sidel said the company does not disclose claims figures. But he said Progressive has declared a catastrophe for Broward and Miami-Dade counties. “We are thinking about and are ready to assist our customers affected by the recent storms in South Florida,” Sidel said. He asked that Progressive customers report their claim as soon as possible by phone or through its mobile app.
Most comprehensive auto policies cover flood damage after the policy deductible is met.
Flood damage to homes is typically covered by flood insurance, which owners buy as a rider to their standard multiperil policy or as a separate policy backed by the National Flood Insurance Program. Some flood policies combine federally backed coverage with private, or “excess” insurance that kicks in above the the NFIP limit of $250,000 in structural damage and $100,000 for contents.
Filing auto claims
State Farm provided these tips for auto insurance customers whose vehicles were caught in flood water:
—Do not start a flooded vehicle until it has received a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic. Trying to start it could increase damage if water is inside the engine.
—Mark the highest level of water exposure on the vehicle.
—Start drying the vehicle as quickly as possible and contact a towing service to get it to higher ground.
—File an insurance claim. Contact your agent or insurance company and advise them that your vehicle has been flooded. The sooner the vehicle can be evaluated and dried out, the less damage it will sustain.
Filing property claims
Tips from the National Flood Insurance Program, which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, include these:
—Report flood damage to properties as soon as possible. An adjuster will be assigned to work with you throughout the claims process, including calling to set up a time to inspect your property in person or remotely within a few days.
—Ask if you can get an advance payment. They are deducted from the final claim payment.
—Return to your home when it’s safe and document all of your damage, including damage to personal property, with photos and video. Make sure to photograph flood water lines on the outside and inside of the structure.
—For damaged appliances and electronics, take photos of the make, model and serial number. These are usually located on an attached plate or sticker.
—Keep samples of flood-damaged items like curtains, carpet or other flooring. After taking photos and videos of the damaged items, throw them away if they pose a health threat.
—Your claim payment will be based on the supporting documentation you provide and what’s covered by your policy. It’s your responsibility to provide information that supports your claim and to meet required deadlines.
—Contact the claims department at your flood insurance company to discuss any disputed amount or coverage issue with a claims examiner. Consulting with and getting estimates from general contractors can be helpful.
