KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is coordinating consumer assistance divisions nationwide to assist those who have left their homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina with questions regarding their insurance.
To obtain electronic access to a list of insurance carriers who have set up disaster hot lines to help policyholders, visit the NAIC Web site: www.naic.org.
State Government Insurance Help Lines
Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line
800-433-3966
334-241-4141
Louisiana Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line
800-259-5300
225-342-5900
Mississippi Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line
800-562-2957
601-359-2453
Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line
800-252-3439
800-578-4677
Georgia Department of Insurance
800-656-2298
404-656-2056
Florida Department of Insurance
800-882-3054
850-413-3131
800-342-2762 - (FL only)
Tennessee Department of Insurance
800-342-4029
615-741-2241
Arkansas Department of Insurance
800-282-9134
501-371-2600
Immediate Disaster Assistance from the American Red Cross
If you have immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care contact one of the local offices of the American Red Cross. You can visit a local office or call their toll-free number at 1-866-438-4636.
Federal Government Help Line
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
You may qualify for assistance from the federal government. You can apply by calling 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).
The information you will need includes:
The street address of your damaged property
Your current mailing address and a telephone number where you can be reached in the event you have been forced to relocate
Your Social Security Number
Your household's approximate gross income at the time of the flood or, if you are reporting business damages, the gross income of the business
Information on the type of insurance coverage you have, particularly flood insurance
Insurance Company Toll-Free Catastrophe Hot Lines
If you have homeowners, automobile, flood, renters, or other insurance, please contact your insurance company to file your claims. The following insurance companies have set up hotlines for insureds displaced by Katrina:
Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation 866-239-AMIC
Allmerica 800-628-0250
Allstate 800-54-STORM (800-547-8676)
Allstate Floridian Insurance Company 800-54-STORM (800-547-8676)
American Bankers Insurance Company 800-245-1505
American Federation Insurance Company 800-527-3907
American General Property Insurance Company of Florida 800-321-2452
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Call the toll-free number located on your policy; if you cannot access your policy, call toll-free 877-AIG-0304
American National Property & Casualty Company & Affiliates 800-333-2861
American Reliable Insurance Company 800-245-1505
American Skyline Insurance Company 888-298-5224
American States Insurance Company 888-557-5010
American Strategic Insurance 866-ASI-LOSS (274-5677)
American Superior Insurance 954-577-2202
Arch Insurance 800-817-3252
Argus Fire & Casualty Company 954-331-4722
Armed Forces Insurance Exchange 800-828-7736
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company 800-945-7461
Atlantic Preferred Insurance Company 800-673-4952
Auto Owners Insurance Group (Palm City) 800-783-1269
Auto Owners Insurance Group (Ft. Meyers) 800-437-2256
The NAIC recommends taking the following actions in the event of weather-related loss:
Contact your insurer and let them know that you have a claim. Ask them for immediate financial assistance in covering additional living expenses that are generally provided under homeowner's policies.
Let your insurer know how to get in touch with you. Cooperate with your insurer in completing any claim forms and proof of loss forms that they may require. Let your agent or insurance company know of your temporary forwarding address and phone number.
If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount of the claim settlement, contact your state insurance department for assistance.
If your home is damaged or is currently awaiting repairs, take steps to protect your home from further damage and document the state of your home with photos or video.
Beware of downed power lines, especially near water - to avoid risk of electrocution.
When returning home, do not drive through flooded areas or through road barriers - they are there for your safety.
If your house is damaged, shut electricity off at the breakers. Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
Copies of your household inventory and other documentation will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.
Immediately report property damage or additional damage to your insurance agent and company.
If you have difficulty reaching your insurance company, contact your state insurance department's consumer hotline for assistance. Links to all state insurance departments can be found on www.naic.org.
Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and reputable service and repair people. Get references and use local businesses, when possible.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your insurance coverage, your state insurance department is your best resource to provide you with the help and assistance you need.
