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For immediate release
New York Press Office: Michael Barry, 917-923-8245, michaelb@iii.org

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NEW YORK, July 12, 2023—Homeowners, renters, businesses, and vehicle owners impacted by this week’s severe weather on the East Coast need to know what’s covered under standard insurance policies and how ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ claim filing process works, according to the  (Triple-I).Ìý

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There are four keys to economic recovery after severe weather events, the Triple-I says.Ìý

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1. Start the claims process as soon as possibleÌý
Be prepared to give your insurance professional—either an agent or an insurance company representative—a description of the damage to your property and a copy of your home inventory if you have one. Your insurance professional will report the loss immediately to your insurer or to a qualified adjuster. They also will want your cellphone number to update you on the claim’s status.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs.

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2. Understand what’s coveredÌý
Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, or a business – resulting from either a flood or mudflow – is covered under a , which is typically separate from a property insurance policy for a home, rental unit, or a business. Flood policies are underwritten through FEMA’s (NFIP) and private insurers.

Property damage caused by windstorms, hail, and lightning is covered under standard homeowners, renters, and business insurance policies.

Property damage to businesses caused by windstorms, hail, and lightning is typically covered under either a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or a Commercial Multiple Peril (CMP) policy.

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3. Review Your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverageÌý
ALE, also known as Loss of Use, pays the additional costs of living away from home if you are displaced either due to a mandatory evacuation or because of damage to your home from an insured catastrophe. It is a standard coverage in homeowners and renters insurance policies but ALE is not incorporated into FEMA NFIP policies.

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4. Make Sure You Have Comprehensive Coverage for Your VehicleÌý
Vehicles damaged by either floodwaters or debris, such as falling trees, are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers have purchased comprehensive coverage. Ìý

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