RELEASE: State Advises Homeowners to Review Insurance Policies in Preparation of Potential Natural Disasters

Posted on Aug 31, 2016 in Main, News Releases

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR

CATHERINE P. AWAKUNI COLóN
DIRECTOR

GORDON I. ITO
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2016

STATE ADVISES HOMEOWNERS TO REVIEW INSURANCE POLICIES IN PREPARATION OF POTENTIAL NATURAL DISASTERS

HONOLULU – In preparation for Hurricanes Madeline and Lester, state Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito advises residents to review their homeowner’s, hurricane, and flood insurance policies.

“With back-to-back hurricanes approaching Hawaii, reviewing your insurance policy should be part of your readiness plans,” said Ito.  “Policyholders should know what type of insurance they have, what is covered under each policy, and the proper steps to take both pre- and post-storm.”

The Insurance Division also offers the following disaster preparedness tips:

  • Secure property to prevent and limit damage. Minimize the possibility of damage as much as possible to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
  • Take an inventory of your property and belongings. Policyholders can take pictures, videos or use the free MyHome Sr.APP.book mobile app released by the National Association of Insurance Commissions (NAIC).  This step can help save time in the event that a homeowner needs to file a claim, and will improve their chances of fully recovering what their policy covers.
  • Have contact information for your agent or insurer handy.  Ask questions about your policy, coverage, the claim process, and identify who to contact to file a claim.
  • Review your deductible levels. This is the amount of money a policyholder will be responsible for if a claim is filed.  Check with your agent or insurer to see if the claim payout is reduced by the deductible rather than paying upfront.
  • Talk with your insurer to find out the specific language that triggers a hurricane policy.  Most hurricane insurance policies are triggered once a hurricane “watch” or “warning” is issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service, and coverage ends 72-hours after the hurricane watch or warning has been cancelled.

For more hurricane preparedness tips and information on filing a claim post-event, visit cca.hawaii.gov/ins.

The Hawaii Insurance Division oversees the Hawaii insurance industry; issues licenses; examines the fiscal condition of Hawaii-based companies; reviews rate and policy filings; and investigates insurance related complaints.

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Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Email: [email protected]
Office: (808) 586-7582