Ivan's Insured Losses Could Reach $10 Billion
Flood Damage Usually Not Covered By Commercial Insurers
POSTED: Friday, September 17, 2004
UPDATED: 9:09 am EDT September 17,
2004
Analysts said Friday that the insured losses from Hurricane Ivan were expected to range from $4 billion to $10 billion.
Earlier estimates that reached up to $20 billion were lowered because the storm's eye didn't directly hit Mobile, Ala., or New Orleans.Fitch Ratings also noted a lot of the damage has been from flooding, which is not usually covered by commercial insurers. Experts said re-insurance companies were likely to take a bigger hit from Ivan than either Hurricane Charley or Hurricane Frances because Alabama does not have a state program to help insurers pay claims.After Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida in 1992, the state of Florida established a hurricane catastrophe fund to help insurers pay claims.Allstate Insurance -- the nation's largest publicly-held personal insurer -- offered residents with property damage 10 tips for storm recovery.
HURRICANE KATRINA
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- Make sure your home is structurally safe. Be extremely careful inside your home. Debris may be hazardous and the potential for collapse may exist. If you're told by authorities to stay out, stay out.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, keeping receipts for materials.
- If your home is unlivable, find out what living expenses your Allstate policy covers.
- Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer.
- Notify creditors if bills have been lost or you're unable to pay. Ask your utility company to stop billing if your home is unlivable or has been destroyed.
- Report your claim to Allstate promptly. Be aware: If a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures.
- Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.
- Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process.
- Work with a qualified tax expert to find out about tax breaks you may be eligible for because of your losses.
- Remember, nothing is more important than your personal safety. Please safeguard yourself and use your own good judgment about what is appropriate under the circumstances.
Previous Stories:
- September 13, 2004: Prepare Your Home For Floods
- September 10, 2004: Do You Have Enough Insurance?
- September 3, 2004: Insurers Handle Double Hurricane Hit
- September 1, 2004: Insurers Expect Frances To Cost Billions
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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