The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is committed to helping you and your constituents recover from the recent flooding, storm damage and tornadoes in Maryland. We are providing tips and resources below to share with your constituents to assist with the recovery process.  

 We recognize your constituents are trying to navigate their next steps, which is why APCIA is reaching out to provide helpful information to share with your constituents to assist with the recovery process. APCIA’s tornado recovery insurance information booklet can help you and your staff provide information to your constituents as they navigate the recovery process. Additionally, below are answers to common questions related to insurance after a disaster:   

My home was damaged or destroyed. What should I do now?  

• Reachout to your insurer or agent as soon as you can safely do so to file a claim. Insurers can be reached 24-7 through their toll-free claims number or via text, app, or website.   
• Secure your property from further damage or theft, if possible.   
• Make a list of what was lost or damaged and photograph or video the damage to provide to your insurance adjuster. Compile as many receipts, descriptions, and photos of your home’s contents as you can.  
• Be aware of unscrupulous contractors or other third parties seeking to involve themselves with the insurance claims and damage repair process following a natural disaster. It is important to carefully consider any proposals from contractors, public adjusters, and lawyers offering to help with the insurance claim and damage repair process. Before signing any contracts, call your insurer first to report the damage and get your claim started.  

Is damage to my home and vehicle caused by severe storms and tornadoes covered by insurance?  

• Damage associated with severe weather events, like tornadoes, is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy.   
• Damage to a vehicle is typically covered if the policyholder’s auto policy includes comprehensive insurance coverage.  

What if I cannot live in my home due to damage or because it is being repaired?  

• Ask your insurer if your policy covers additional living expenses, which can help pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals, and laundry.   
• Keep all receipts for such expenses so you can discuss them with the adjuster.   

I have reported my claim; now what should I do?  

• Take steps to prevent further damage. However, do not attempt permanent repairs or dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster can see it to assess the extent of your damages. If debris is dangerous, homeowners should carefully document their losses and then dispose of the debris.   
• Photograph or video any perishable items and retain all receipts for emergency repairs and additional living costs to substantiate claims.  

Additional APCIA resources are linked below:  

APCIA Tornado Preparedness & Recovery   

APCIA’s Tornado Recovery Booklet  

How to Avoid Contractor Fraud & Abuse 

Flood 

Residents whose property experienced flooding should contact their flood insurer, if they have one, to get the claims process started. Flood damage is not typically covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. Flood insurance policies may be with the National Flood Insurance Program or possibly with a flood insurer in the private market. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has purchased comprehensive physical damage coverage. Auto owners should contact their auto insurer as soon as possible to report the damage and file a claim. APCIA’s Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know guide and Tips for Filing Your Flood Insurance Claim may be a helpful resources.  

After a disaster, dishonest contractors and other third parties often come out of the woodwork looking to scam homeowners in need of repairs. Before signing any contracts for repair work, homeowners should talk to their flood insurer first to make sure the damage is covered and then find a licensed, reputable contractor to complete the repairs. More tips on how to avoid contractor fraud after a disaster are available here. 

If you have any questions, please reach out and let us know how we can serve as a resource.  

Sincerely, 

 Nancy

Nancy J. Egan, Esq.
Vice-President  & State Government Relations Counsel, DC, DE, MD, VA, WV
American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)
Nancy.egan@apci.org.
Cell: 443-841-4174
PO Box 16373
Baltimore, MD. 21210