Storm causes 17,500 claims, $95 million in insured losses

The storm that ripped through Western Washington on December 3 caused widespread damage and resulted in 17,500 insurance claims and $95 million in insured losses, according to preliminary figures released by New Jersey-based Property Claims Services, an authority on insured property losses from catastrophes.

The totals include property damage from wind and falling trees and damage to flooded vehicles. In Oregon, the storm caused 15,000 claims and $70 million in insured losses. To help homeowners and business owners get back on their feet, insurance company adjusters have been working to assess damage and settle claims quickly.

NW Insurance Council’s member companies also have increased capacity, including bringing adjusters in from out of state, contracting with independent adjusters, reassigning other employees to claims duties and setting up special phone banks to allow customers to get their claims started sooner.

“Insurance companies really show their value to customers following a disaster like this,” said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president. “It’s frustrating to deal with a windstorm loss, but it would be financially devastating to many if they hadn’t insured their homes and businesses.”

NW Insurance Council offers the following key points and recommendations for those who have suffered damage from the storm:

• If you have wind damage to your home or business, don’t wait to file a claim. Filing quickly will reduce the time it takes to get your claim settled.

• If you’ve filed a claim for minor damage that doesn’t impact your ability to live in your home, consider getting several repair estimates before your adjuster arrives. This will help your adjuster settle your claim more quickly.

• If you have minor damage, please be patient. Adjusters are working to handle the most severely damaged properties first and will make it a priority to reach your property as soon as possible.

• If your vehicle has flood damage, it is covered if you have optional Comprehensive Coverage on your Auto Policy.

• Damage to your home from wind and falling trees is covered under most insurance policies, regardless of whose property the tree fell from. In cases where negligence can be proven, your neighbor’s insurance may apply.

• If your neighbor’s tree poses a future risk to your property due to leaning, disease or root problems, claims experts recommend asking your neighbor to correct the problem. If the neighbor refuses to act, follow up with a certified letter stating your concerns. File a copy of the letter with your insurance records and provide it to your adjuster in the event of a future loss. This will help the adjuster investigate whether or not there was provable negligence on the neighbor’s part.

If your home is unsafe to occupy due to physical damage from the windstorm, most policies provide for Additional Living Expenses that exceed your normal expenditures. General power outages occurring off your insured property are excluded from coverage under most policies. While you may elect to seek other accommodations due to a power outage, cold weather alone does not qualify you for coverage under your insurance policy.

Many companies exclude coverage for spoiled food unless a power outage is caused by a loss on your property, such as a tree severing the power lines attached to your home. Some companies provide up to $1000 coverage for frozen and refrigerated food spoilage after 72 hours of continuous power interruption. Check your policy for coverage information.

For more information, call (800) 664-4942 or visit http://www.nwinsurance.org.