Assurant Policyholder Questions & Answers

September 19, 2017 savannah

As your flood insurance partner, we want to share some of the most common questions we are receiving from policyholders filing a flood claim and provide you with answers so that you can assist them during this difficult time.

Is the cost of additional living expenses covered by an NFIP Flood policy?

No, there is no coverage for additional living expenses (ALE). All of the following are excluded:

Loss of revenue or profits
Loss of access to the insured property or described location
Loss of use of the insured property or described location
Loss from interruption of business or production
Any additional living expenses incurred while the insured building is being repaired or is unable to be occupied for any reason

What is the difference Between RCV and ACV?

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) represents the cost to replace that part of a building that is damaged (without depreciation). To be eligible, three conditions must be met:

The building must be a single-family dwelling, and
Be your principal residence, meaning you live there at least 80 percent of the year, and
Your building coverage is at least 80 percent of the full replacement cost of the building or is the maximum available for the property under the NFIP.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) represents the Replacement Cost Value at the time of loss less the value of its physical depreciation. Some building items, such as carpeting ,are always adjusted on an ACV basis. For example, wall-to-wall carpeting could lose between 10 and 14 percent of its value each year, depending on the quality of the carpeting. This depreciation would be factored into the adjustment. Personal property is always valued at ACV.

What is Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage?

Most NFIP policies include ICC coverage, which applies when flood damages are severe. ICC coverage provides up to $30,000 of the cost to elevate, demolish or relocate your home. If your community declares your home “substantially damaged” or “repetitively damaged” by a flood, it will require you to bring your home up to current community standards. The total amount of your building claim and ICC claim cannot exceed the maximum limit for Building Property coverage ($250,000 for a single-family home). Having an ICC claim does not affect a Personal Property claim (up to $100,000), which is paid separately.

I have a lot of initial expenses, can I get an advance payment on my claim?

The NFIP is making it easier for policyholders to receive an advance payment for their flood claim to help them begin the process of recovery as quickly as possible. After filing a flood insurance claim, the policyholder can discuss an advance payment with the insurer.

When a policyholder contacts the insurance company and has his/her identity verified, the policyholder can receive an advance payment for up to $5,000 on a flood claim without an adjuster visit or additional documentation. When the advance payment is issued, the policyholder receives a letter that explains that by accepting this payment, the policyholder is certifying the damage.
Policyholders who provide the following: photos or videos which depict flood-damaged property; receipts for related out-of-pocket expenses; or a contractor’s itemized estimate may receive up to $20,000 in an advance payment.

Advance payments are deducted from a policyholder’s final claim settlement amount and may only be used according to the terms of the policy. For example, when a policy is for building coverage, the advance payment must be used to repair or rebuild the structure. In another example, when the policy is for personal property, the advance payment must be used to repair or replace the contents that were within the structure at the time of the flood. Advance payments may not be used for temporary housing and living expenses.

If a policyholder’s property is mortgaged and they have building/structure coverage, both the lender and the policyholder will be named on the check and both signatures will be required.

What is disaster fraud and how can I prevent it from happening?

After a natural disaster occurs, there tends to be an increase in fraudulent contractors who attempt to pray on vulnerable survivors by offering false information about inspection issues, clean-up requirements, housing assistance, immigration issues, pet shelters and more.

FEMA has excellent resources to help protect yourself and those you care about.
Click here for more information.

For your reference, the Dwelling Form policy jacket can be accessed here.

Insurance Company Claims Contact List

September 7, 2017 Andrew Muller

Please click the link below for a list of contacts to file a claim directly with your insurance company. Should you have any issues, please call our office or submit a claim below via the form.

Company Claims Contact Info 9.9.2018

Contact & Customer Service Form

Step 1 of 4 - Contact Info

Name*
First Last
Email*
Phone*

Are you a current client of our agency?*
- Yes
- No
Which policy(s) do you need help with?*
Please enter your policy number(s) if available

What is the nature of your inquiry?*
- General Question
- ID Card Request
- Policy Change Request
- Discuss A Claim
- Certificate of Insurance Request
What date do you need this policy change to take effect?*
Which vehicle do you need an ID card for (please enter year, make, and model)?*
If you have the VIN, please enter it here
Please list the Additional Insured and/or Certificate Holder
Additional Insured and/or Certificate Holder Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Details regarding your question, policy change, claim or other request:*

Online Portal Sign Up Instructions

September 7, 2017 savannah

Many of the companies that we write insurance with provide online portals where clients can access their policy documents, pay bills, and check the status of claims that have been filed. We’ve provided instructions for each of those companies below in alphabetical order for your convenience.

Centauri

1.Click here: https://www.centauri-ins.com/ConsumerPortal/Users/Account/Register

2.Enter your chosen Username, your Email Address, and choose a Password.

3.Enter your Policy Number and Mobile Phone Number. Your Policy Number can be found at the top of the left hand corner of your declarations.

Gulfstream

1.Click here: https://www.managemygulfstream.com/ConsumerPortal/Users/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2FConsumerPortal

2.Click Register. (At the bottom of the login box.)

3.Enter your chosen Username, email address, policy number, and click Register. Your Policy Number can be found at the top of the left hand corner of your declarations.

My Flood (this is not all flood companies, just Assurant, Hartford, UPC)

1.Click here: https://myflood.com

2.Click Create an Account on the bottom left corner of the screen.

3.Choose your username and password.

4.Enter your Policy Number, Property Postal Code, Last Name, and Email Address.

5.Click Create Account.

Safeco

1.Click here: https://customer.safeco.com/accountmanager/Login/register

2.Enter your email address. This will be your User ID.

3.Verify your identity by entering your Policy Number, First Name, Last Name, Mailing Zip Code, Phone Number, and Date of Birth.

4.Create Your Password.

5.Access your account.

Sagesure (Federated National, Occidental, Interboro, Service Insurance Company)

1.Click here: https://my.sagesure.com/register

2.Click Register Now. (Left hand side of screen)

3.Enter the requested information. Your Policy Number can be found on the top left hand corner of your Policy Declarations.

4.Verify your email address by clicking the link provided in the email from Sagesure.

Travelers

1.Click here: www.MyTravelers.com/signup

2.Enter your email address. This will be your User ID.

3.Verify your identity by entering your Policy Number, First Name, Last Name, Mailing Zip Code, Phone Number, and Date of Birth.

4.Create Your Password.

5.Access your account.

Universal North America

1.Click here: https://www.uihna.com/Consumer/MyProfile.aspx

2.Enter the requested information.

3.Choose what Alerts and Messages you would like sent to you.

4.Click Continue.

5.Activate Your Account.

How to Drive Safely in Strong Wind & Rain

August 4, 2017 savannah

Photo provided by Travelers Insurance Company.

Driving in conditions that involve strong or heavy wind and rain may not seem like the most pressing safety concern for many drivers, but our safety professionals know that driving in any type of severe weather can significantly increase your risk and potential for a dangerous situation for you, your family and other drivers. Remember that severe weather demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce any possible distractions by turning the radio down or turning off that phone to keep your attention fully on the road. Keep in mind that sometimes the best driving decision you can make is to stay off the road completely until the weather clears.

Driving in Heavy Winds

Wind may seem like a minor risk, but this weather condition deserves special consideration from drivers. Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wide open spaces. Areas for concern also include highway overpasses, tunnels and ‘road cuts’ through mountainous areas that can act as funnels for wind. The following tips can help keep you on the road and safe if you encounter heavy winds.

1. Anticipate gusts. Take special care when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports predict severe weather.

2. Notice larger vehicles. Be aware of large vehicles on the road such as tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles. They are more susceptible to high winds and drivers may have difficulties staying in their lanes.

3. Keep a firm grip on the wheel. Keep both hands on the wheel in case the wind begins to move your vehicle, especially if you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer.

Driving in Heavy Rain

In addition to the potentially poor visibility that accompanies most heavy rain, drivers should be ready to protect themselves against hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle is traveling too fast in heavy rain conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water rather than grip the surface of the road. This has the potential to make steering and braking difficult and could even lead to losing control of your vehicle. Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain.

1. Take your time. Slowing down is the only way to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning. Also remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is soon after it begins to rain, as oils on roadway make for slick conditions. Waiting a few minutes, rather than rushing to your destination, can be a safer plan when it is raining.

2. Turn your lights on. Turn your headlights on to help other vehicles see you. Many states require the use of headlights during rain, even in broad daylight.

3. Give other vehicles more space. Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time in the rain, which gives you and the cars behind you more time to react to traffic.

For more tips on driving in severe weather like tornadoes and hail, click here.

Content provided by Travelers Insurance Company.

Hail Protection for Your Home

August 4, 2017 savannah

Photo courtesy of Travelers Insurance.

Hail storms can strike without much warning, leaving you with little time to react. Being prepared in advance — and knowing what to do — can help you stay safe and keep damage to a minimum. Consider signing up for local weather alerts, which deliver warnings when hail storms are approaching your area.

What Is Hail?

Hail is a type of solid precipitation, distinct from, but often confused with sleet. Sleet generally falls in colder temperatures while hail growth is inhibited at very cold temperatures. Hail creation is possible within thunderstorms and is formed when water vapor in updrafts reaches a freezing point. Ice then forms and is suspended in the air by updrafts and falls down to be coated by water again. This process can occur over and over adding many layers to the hailstone. Hailstones can be as small as peas or as large as softballs, and the larger ones can cause injury and serious damage.* The average hailstorm lasts only five minutes, but the damage hailstorms cause totals about $1 billion a year, according to the National Weather Service.

How to Minimize Hail Damage

Large hail can shatter windows. Closing the drapes, blinds or window shades can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into your home or buildings.
Whenever possible, park your vehicles inside a garage or under a carport.
Patio and lawn furniture can be dented, broken or even shattered by hail. Move these items indoors or under a covered area when not in use.
If you have plans to replace the roof covering on your home or business, consider using impact-resistant material if you live in a hail-prone area. For guidance on making the right choices for roof coverings, visit the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety website.

Content re-posted from Travelers Insurance Company.

Update on NFIP Reauthorization

July 21, 2017 savannah

Today, we received an update on the re-authorization of the NFIP from Assurant. Below is what they had to say.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Senate Bill
On Monday, July 17, the Senate Banking Committee released their first draft of an NFIP reauthorization and reform bill. The Senate bill focuses on a narrow set of reform measures, including these key points:

Reauthorizes the NFIP for six years
Addresses repetitive loss properties with “appropriate sanctions”
Increases ICC coverage from $30K to $60K with additional premium/fees
Requires flood history to be disclosed for properties offered for sale or lease
Calls for credits for multifamily structures that use alternative mitigation
Continues funding the mapping program with added technology improvements required
Incorporates replacement cost into the premium calculation
Allows for risk transfer to the private market (reinsurance, bonds, etc.)
Requires study on adding business interruption coverage

House Bills
The House Financial Services Committee passed seven bills to reform and reauthorize the NFIP. Key provisions include:

A five-year program reauthorization
Gradual decrease in WYO compensation to 27.9% of chargeable premium—down from 30.9%
Administrative reforms to address issues from the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy
Clarification that flood insurance policies written by private carriers satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement and allow continuous coverage rules to apply to private flood policies
Repeal of the mandatory flood insurance coverage requirement for commercial and multifamily properties located in flood hazard areas

The Financial Services Committee staff has been working with industry stakeholders and consumer advocates to address their concerns. Though not likely, the House may vote on a final package the week of July 24.

NEXT STEPS
The Senate Banking Committee is expected to mark up their flood bill next week, with full Senate consideration in the coming weeks.

Timing for full House consideration is less clear. The seven bills approved by the House Financial Services Committee will be combined into one comprehensive flood insurance reauthorization and reform legislative package. As noted above, the House may vote on their consolidated bill as early as the week of July 24. If House leadership determines that more time is needed to garner support, the full House vote may take place after their August recess. Because the Senate proposal is fundamentally different from the one proposed in the House, a House-Senate conference is expected to meet later this year to reconcile the two bills.

EXPECTED OUTCOME
Congressional consideration of a flood insurance reauthorization continues to be a moving target. With a limited amount of time for resolution of House and Senate differences prior to the program’s September 30 expiration, a short-term extension of the NFIP becomes more likely. Members of Congress and their staffs have repeatedly assured Assurant government relations and other industry advocates that no lapse in the NFIP will occur.

PRIVATE FLOOD
Both the House and Senate versions of the NFIP reauthorization are expected to include private flood insurance as an option in the mandatory requirement for flood insurance and the continuous coverage sections of the NFIP. Please contact your Assurant flood marketing consultant for more information about our private flood insurance product, including our new FlexCash option.

What is an Insurance Score?

June 22, 2017 savannah

Insurance companies have a multitude of factors that go into the rating of a policy. Some of those factors include the age of the home, distance to the coast, prior loss history of the insured, prior liability limits, wind mitigation features, alarm systems, and the list goes on and on. One factor that has increasingly become a large part of the rating mix is the Insurance Score. Most people are familiar with their credit score, but are a bit perplexed at what an Insurance Score is.

To help you better understand what your Insurance Score is, we went straight to the source – TransUnion. The document linked below provides six pages of information to help you understand how exactly your insurance score is derived and what factors can potentially help or hurt it.

TransUnion Guide to Insurance Scores

7 Insurance Tips to Protect Your Family, Assets…And Save Money!

January 16, 2017 Andrew Muller

Let’s face it – everyone wants to get the most value out of their insurance policies. But, have you ever thought about what you can do beyond your policies to protect yourself and your family? Here are 7 tips to help protect you, your family, and your assets!

Home Inventory Report – We strongly recommend that you document your valuables and belongings. You can do something as simple as taking photos or a quick video of each room to document your “stuff”. Or you can download an app to your smartphone and document your belongings in a more detailed format. We are happy to keep this inventory report on file for you!
Water and Gas Shut Off Valves – The shut off valves for your water and gas lines are often overlooked. Be sure to know where yours are and share them with your household members…even your neighbors.
Fire Extinguisher – You should have an unexpired fire extinguisher for ever 1,000 square feet of living space in your home. You can pick one up for around $20 at your local hardware store. A small investment can prevent a much larger issue and out of pocket costs!
Know Your Policies – First and foremost, know your deductibles, sub-limits, and exclusions. No policy is “all-encompassing” so make sure you understand how things will be handled before a loss. Keep in mind that almost every homeowner’s policy is going to carry a separate deductible for wind/hail or hurricane events. Do not get surprised after a claim!
Hurricane Evacuation Plan – Have a plan. Share it with your family and friends. You can get guidance for a plan by going to www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Key Phone Numbers – We strongly recommend that you put your insurance carrier Claim Phone Number and Policy Number into your smartphone so you have access to these at all times. It is also not a bad idea to put a mitigation company’s number into your phone under “fire and water mitigation”. Some companies we recommend are A&I, Service Master, and Rainbow Restoration.
Sign up For Online Portals – Most insurance companies provide an online portal to access your policy documents, file claims, pay bills, etc. We strongly encourage our clients to sign up for these when available.

5 Tips to Get the Most Value from Your Homeowner’s Insurance

December 30, 2016 Andrew Muller

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” – Warren Buffett

Make no bones about it, shopping for homeowner’s insurance can be a daunting process especially when looking on the coast. While it may be the easiest to compare, premium should not be the sole deciding factor in your insurance.

Below are five items to look at while shopping for homeowner’s insurance.

[Read more…]

Should I Buy Insurance From the Rental Car Company?

December 7, 2016 Andrew Muller

Plain and simple, insurance can be confusing. Sure, you’re covered by your auto insurance in your vehicle in the event of an accident. But, what if you’re driving a rental vehicle? If you’re considering renting a car, whether it is for a vacation or a moving truck, we strongly advise that you purchase the Rental Car Damage Waiver from the rental company. Below are 10 reasons from Big “I” Virtual University.

[Read more…]

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