Tips for insurance claims in wake of Hurricane Matthew

Friday, October 07, 2016

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), of which Consumer Action is a member, advises that consumers in the path of Hurricane Matthew should prepare in advance in case they need to file insurance claims for storm damage. Insurance expert J. Robert Hunter, director of Insurance at CFA, says many consumers may face new and surprising out of pocket costs. "Families will have to dig deeper into their pockets because insurers have been steadily increasing hurricane wind coverage deductibles and imposing other policy limitations," says Hunter. 

The Consumer Federation of America offers a number of steps you can take immediately as well as in the unfortunate event you suffer property damage. For example, if you are in the path of the storm, locate your homeowner’s policy and keep it in a safe place. Also, document your belongings beforehand by taking photographs or a video and make sure you know how to report a claim if you need to. For more advice on filing claims and good record keeping—as well as how to determine whether you should even file a claim—visit the CFA website.