Altman Advises Southwestern Pennsylvania Property Owners on Filing Flood Claims

Acting Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman has advised property owners in southwestern Pennsylvania experiencing flooding from heavy rains on important actions to take when preparing and filing flood insurance claims.

She also reminded consumers that most standard homeowners’ policies do not include flood insurance, so a separate flood policy is needed to cover damages.

Altman said when filing claims, it is important to have the name of the insurance company if calling the agent and not the company directly as agents often sell policies for more than one company. She said it is also important to have the policy number and a phone number or e-mail for the company to contact.

Property owners should take photographs or videos of water in their homes and any damaged personal property as well, according to the release. The release added it is important to make a list of damaged, destroyed or lost items, including the items’ age and value along with receipts.

“When you call to file your claim, ask your insurer or agent for an approximate time frame during which an adjuster can be expected to visit your property, so you can plan accordingly,” Altman said. “An adjuster will work with you to calculate the value of the damage and prepare a repair estimate.”

If local officials require the disposal of any damaged items before the adjuster arrives, consumers should keep a swatch or other sample of the damaged items for the adjuster, the release said.

“It’s also important to make sure anyone offering to do repairs on your home is properly licensed,” Altman said in the release. “Home improvement contractors who do more than $5,000 of business per year in Pennsylvania must register with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Don’t pay a contractor in full, or sign that the work is complete, until all the work is actually done.”