Home and auto insurers are confirming their availability for customers who need to reach them.
Insurance companies always recommend that anyone affected by major events contact their insurers sooner rather than later. This is the case in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida as news releases remind policyholders of what they need to do to file a claim.
GEICO has announced that its Response Team is in place and prepared to assist customers.
This year, like last year, insurance companies face the additional challenge of helping their customers while preventing the spread of COVID-19. Insurers like GEICO have assured their customers that no-contact procedures are in place to ensure that policyholders will remain safe even when an inspection is required. In fact, for some claims, a virtual inspection of the damage will be considered adequate, provided the policyholder submits clear photographs showing the precise state and nature of the damage.
When virtual inspections aren’t appropriate, GEICO has stated that customers whose vehicles have been damage but that are driveable will be directed to the nearest inspection location to have the damage assessed. On the other hand, non-driveable vehicles will be transported to an inspection lot, where an estimate will be made.
Insurance companies are reminding policyholders to reach out for instructions as soon as possible.
Insurers want their policyholders to remember that the sooner they make contact to obtain instructions, the better. Even policyholders who have yet to return to their properties can contact their insurers to find out exactly what they should do in advance as well as what should be done upon first arrival. This will help to expedite the claims process and avoid any unnecessary errors along the way.
GEICO has reminded its auto insurance customers that when assessing damages, a vehicle should never be started if water has entered the engine compartment. A debris water line can help to indicate how much water entered the area, giving a better idea as to whether or not it made it into the engine compartment. If water made it inside the car’s interior, open up windows and doors whenever it isn’t raining. This will help to dry the interior as much as possible, reducing stagnant water odor and mildew.
Insurance companies remind customers that personal safety must always come first. Even when gathering photographic evidence of damage from Hurricane Ida, do not risk your personal safety to try to get the best shot. Take a picture of what you can. The rest can be obtained by a representative from the insurer with proper equipment.
