Navigate the claims process with ease by preparing effectively.
In the wake of a natural disaster, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to handling property losses. Most standard homeowners’ policies will cover destruction and damage caused by the disaster. Similarly, standard renters’ insurance policies may cover personal belongings. However, you should always check your specific policy for full details.
To expedite filing a claim, you must contact your insurance carrier directly. They are expert in setting up emergency response teams to help you with filing claims, arranging temporary housing, and covering living expenses.
Here are some helpful tips when filing a claim:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you are a renter, you should make sure your landlord is also aware of any damage and that they have also started the claims process.
- Have your policy number ready.
- Provide all contact details for adjuster to reach you easily, including any temporary phone numbers.
- Prepare a detailed list of damages, including photos and, if possible, pre-damage images or videos of your personal property. This helps your adjuster assess your situation more accurately.
- Do not dispose of any damaged items related to your claim unless they pose a safety risk, or you have been instructed by the carrier or law enforcement to do so. If you must discard any unsafe items, take photos for your adjuster first.
- Document and organize any additional expenses for any extra living expenses if you’ve had to evacuate like lodging, groceries, temporary utilities, and replacement of basic personal items. Save these records and receipts to share with your adjuster.
As always, be mindful of potential scams. Unfortunately, criminals will take advantage of disasters by impersonating insurance officials. Exercise caution if you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be an insurance agent. Refrain from sharing any information until you can call them back on a verified phone number. And only enter your personal or insurance details on a secure or verified website.
The process of filing a claim after a disaster might seem overwhelming. However, proper preparation can help simplify the claims process, allowing you to focus on rebuilding with confidence.
Cynthia Padilla, Insurance Agent, MBIS (Hollywood Branch)
323.845.4489
cpadi@firstent.org
Maria Valdez Okafor, Insurance Agent, MBIS (Hollywood Branch)
323.845.4494
mokaf@firstent.org
Monique Garcia, Insurance Agent, MBIS (Culver City Branch)
323.845.4495 x5146
mgarc@firstent.org
Media Benefits Insurance Services
6735 Forest Lawn Dr., Hollywood, CA 90068
insurance@firstent.org
www.firstent.org
*Insurance services offered through Media Benefits Insurance Services CA Lic#0H99393, a DBA for Media Benefits Corp., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Entertainment Credit Union. This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical, or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.