Contact: Yeraldin
Deavila, Public Information Officer
Phone: (775)
687-0772
E-mail: ydeavila@doi.nv.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–
October 20, 2016
Division of Insurance offers tips for homeowners affected by the Little
Valley Fire
CARSON CITY, NV – In the aftermath of the Little Valley Fire that
destroyed 23 homes and 17 outbuildings, Insurance Commissioner Barbara Richardson
urges affected homeowners to be vigilant of fraudsters trying to take advantage
during this devastating time. Any consumers affected are encouraged to contact
the Division of Insurance if they have questions about insurance or need
assistance with their insurance claims.
Hazards that are generally
covered by a home or renter’s insurance policy include fire, wind, smoke or a
loss of use. If a resident believes they have a claim, they should review their
policy and immediately contact their agent to file and discuss the details of
their claim. Those impacted by the high winds and subsequent fire can call
(775) 687-0700 or (888) 872-3234 to speak with the Division’s team of insurance
professionals if they have a question. A list of the claims hotline numbers for
Nevada’s largest home insurance carrier groups can be found at: http://doi.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/doinvgov/_public-documents/Consumers/claims_hotline_numbers.pdf
What
to do immediately following the fire
- If
you haven’t already, immediately report your claim to your insurance
company or your local agent. Have a copy of your policy and home inventory
on hand. If you cannot find the company or agent's number, call the
Division of Insurance.
- A
policy provision requires that you prevent further damage or theft. Make
temporary repairs or arrange for a licensed professional to do so. Save
all receipts for your repairs.
- Take
photos of the damage and remove undamaged personal property if your home
cannot be secured.
- Do
not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for
your claim.
- If
you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts.
Homeowners and renter's insurance generally provide coverage for expenses
like meals, rent and transportation.
- If
you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of items going room
by room from memory. Include as much detail as possible, like where and
when the item was purchased, the cost, brand name and model.
From Your Company
- Your
insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to survey the damage at
no cost to you.
- Do
not feel rushed or pushed to agree on a settlement. If there are
disagreements, try to resolve them with your insurer. If you cannot reach
an agreement or have questions about the settlement being offered, contact
the Division for assistance.
- Your full claim may come in
multiple payments. The first will likely be an emergency advance and may
include additional living expenses. The payment for your personal property
and any additional living expenses will be made out to you. Payments for
the structure may be payable to you and your lien holder if there is a
mortgage on your home.
Making Repairs
- Fraudsters take advantage of the
chaos following a wildfire. When choosing a contractor to make repairs, check licensing and references before hiring. Always insist on a written estimate before
repairs begin and do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has
examined the damage. The adjuster may want to see the estimate before you
begin making repairs.
- Do not pay a contractor the full
amount up front
or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect
a down payment when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work
is completed.
- If the contractor finds hidden
damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster,
contact your insurance company to resolve the difference. For any
disagreements that cannot be resolved, contact the Division for assistance
with your claim.
Additional Information
- If
your insurance company delays in responding to your claim, call the claims
department to find out if an adjuster has been assigned. Verify your
contact details, especially if you have evacuated your home. Call the
Division for assistance if the delay is unreasonable.
- Even
after settling your claim, if you think of items that were not in your
initial loss list, contact your insurance company. Unless the company has
paid the entire limit for the coverage of those types of items, the
company may make an additional payment.
- If your damages exceed the amount
of your coverage, federal agencies will occasionally provide grants or
low-interest loans to assist with recovery following major disasters.
Check with your local disaster center or the Division for more
information.
After You Have Rebuilt or
Relocated
- Once
you have re-established your home, take time to do a new home inventory.
The NAIC’s free myHOME Scr.APP.book downloadable app allows you to quickly
photograph and capture descriptions of your possessions room by room, then
store electronically for safekeeping. The app is available for iPhone® and
Android devices.
- Once you have completed the home
inventory, talk with your agent to make sure your home or renter insurance
policy is adequate to cover your new home or the contents at your new
location.
If you have any questions
about the coverages in your policy, or if you need help with a problem
regarding your claim following a fire or other loss at your home, contact the
Division at (775) 687-0700 or (888) 872-3234.
About the Nevada Division of
Insurance
The State of Nevada Division of
Insurance, a Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry,
protects the rights of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $11.9 billion
insurance industry. The Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and
Las Vegas. In 2015, the Division investigated more than 3,200 consumer
complaints and recovered nearly $5 million on behalf of consumers. For more
information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV or download the
Division’s smartphone app NDOI Connect today in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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