MD - Disaster Central
Natural catastrophes can cause devastating damage and catch many property owners unprepared. Floods, hurricanes and other storms, earthquakes and landslides are all possible perils which insureds may take for granted, until they find it excluded under the policy.
Look here for information on how to prepare for and respond to a disaster, how to communicate with your clients and prospects (including assistance with frequently-asked questions) and how to E&O-proof your agency.
1. Emergency Planning
All agencies should have an Emergency Plan in place, in order to mitigate the impact of any catastrophe and facilitate the recovery process. IA&B's web-based Emergency Planning Manual (EPM) guides you through this process.
Access IA&B's Emergency Planning Manual to protect your agency and ensure continued service.
2. Client communication
What you can do:
► Keep your clients up-to-date and your agency top of mind with a mailing brochure and/or over-sized postcard detailing critical items for home disaster supply kits and personalized with your logo and contact information.
► Remind clients and help them prepare a Home Inventory
Know Your Stuff Home inventory software - Read more and download this free software by III
Smartphone apps: myHOME Scr.APP.book app for Android | iPhone - Both apps allow users to create a home inventory, letting users quickly photograph and capture images, descriptions and serial numbers, and storing the information electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes everything by room and category, and creates a back-up file for e-mail sharing.
3. Resources for specific types of catastrophes
Floods - for all things flood, from marketing material and information, E&O prevention to technical material on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Earthquakes - evaluate your state's propensity to earthquakes and access general information to share with clients
Hurricanes & other storms - access information and tools regarding hurricanes
4. If your clients are covered
A Proof-of-loss form must be fully completed, signed and in the hands of the insurance company within 60 days after the loss occurs.
Access a FEMA Proof of loss form
5. If your clients are not covered
Applying for assistance through FEMA -- If a hurricane or other catastrophe is declared a federal disaster and you have customers who do not have flood or other insurance coverage to respond to their losses, they may need to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Association.