Hurricane Katrina Car Insurance Help

Hurricane Katrina is one of the worst disasters to ever hit the United States, and thousands, if not millions of people and businesses will be filing billions of dollars in claims over the next year from their homeowners, business, and auto insurance companies. So what are some things that Hurricane Katrina can teach us?

First, Hurricane Katrina has reminded us all to review our auto insurance policies to make sure we are covered in a natural disaster, like a hurricane, tornado, high winds, hail, fire, and earthquakes. The best way to make sure your car is covered in the occurrence of a natural disaster is to purchase comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage pays for any losses or damages incurred by your vehicle in any situation, except a collision. Many companies’ comprehensive coverage plans also pay for alternative transportation and loss of use of your vehicle.

Second, a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina also reminds us to be prepared. We can begin by having a plan for the disaster. For instance, you should have a survival kit readily available. It should include some non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a radio and flashlight, fresh water, a portable cooking device, extra clothes and blankets, and copies of your auto insurance policy paperwork. Most of the items in your kit are for survival, but the copies of your insurance paperwork will save you time later when you have to file your claims. Beyond the kit and paperwork, though, also make sure you know escape routes and safety zones in any type of disaster that may affect you.

So, you got the right coverage, you built your kit, and now a disaster like Hurricane Katrina hits. Your car is damaged, flooded, stolen, or just lost – now what? The next step is to file a claim with your auto insurance company. This is where the copies of your insurance paperwork come in handy. However, do not worry if you do not have copies of your policies. Insurance companies do understand, and they will often have ways of accessing your policy information. It just may take more time.

Hurricane Katrina serves as a reminder to review how to file an insurance claim. We hear that people are going to file claims, but often after a disaster, people realize that they just don’t know how to do it. First, call your insurance agent or company. In areas like Louisiana there are no agents to call, so many companies have toll-free numbers for victims to get in touch with customer service representatives who are willing and able to help.

You will need to have as much information about yourself, your auto, and the damage inflicted to give to the insurance representative. If you car is drivable, then you will probably need to bring it to a mechanic or a customer service center for them to look at the damage and give you an estimate. Most companies will only give you what is the competitive price of the repair, so make sure that you find a mechanic that will do the work for around that rate. Also remember that you will probably still have to pay the deductible on your insurance policy. If your car is totaled, then you will receive payment for the current market value of your car.

Hurricane Katrina has been a tragedy for many Americans, but it is also a reminder for the rest of us to not take our insurance for granted. We cannot predict the future. We do not know what is coming. However, we can prepare ourselves as much as possible, and do what we can to protect ourselves. That begins with getting the right auto insurance, planning for disaster, and knowing what to do afterward.

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Hurricane Katrina Car Insurance Help

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