Hawaii officials remind residents to file insurance claims promptly after Storm Lala damage

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As severe weather affects the state, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division is reminding residents to file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible.

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If your home, vehicle, or personal property has been damaged, contact your insurance company or agent right away to report the loss. Ask for your claim number and confirm any filing or documentation submission deadlines.

Officials say starting your claim promptly helps ensure your coverage is applied correctly and delays are avoided.

Document all damage by taking clear photos or videos. If it is safe to do so, keep damaged items until the insurance adjuster has seen them. You should also take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as placing tarps over roof leaks or boarding broken windows, but avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer has approved them.

Keep records of all expenses related to the damage, including temporary repairs, hotel stays, meals, and other costs incurred as a result of the storm. Save receipts and write down what was damaged, when it occurred, and what actions you took to protect your property.

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, be available for inspections and provide any requested documents. Review settlement offers carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Read more Lala lashes Oahu with flash floods, mudslides, and major road closures

To help residents navigate the claims process, the Hawaii Insurance Division has available a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video on how to file an insurance claim.

Residents should also be aware that most standard homeowners, condominium unit-owners, and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

The Hawaii Insurance Division provides several online resources to help consumers better understand their insurance coverage, including My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What? and Annual Review of Your Insurance Policies.

Consumers may contact the Hawaii Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) ext. 4 or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins for claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

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