Use This Checklist to Get the Most Out of Your Hurricane Insurance

(Sponsored) Mother Nature happens. To help you prepare for possible hurricane damage, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division shares 17 pre- and post-storm tips.

Hurricane season in Hawai‘i is from June to November. As you prepare for incoming storms, use these pre- and post-storm tips, shared by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division, to make sure you have everything you need to file a claim if your home is hit with hurricane damage.

Pre-storm

• Review your policy

• Have contact information for your agent or insurer handy

• Take inventory (photos or videos) of your property

• Secure property to prevent and limit damage

• Ensure the safety of yourself and family

Post-storm

• Once it is safe, check for damage

• Secure your property to prevent further damage (keep receipts for any materials used)

• Report your damage to your insurance company or agent (make a claim)

• If your home or condominium is uninhabitable, ask if your policy covers the cost of temporary/alternative housing

• Submit proof of loss forms or other claim forms if requested by your insurance company

• Set damaged items aside for later review/inspection by your adjuster

• Don’t begin permanent repairs until damage is inspected by your adjuster or told to do so by your insurer

• Work with your adjuster and contractor to estimate the cost of repairs

• Receive settlement check and begin repairs

• There may be supplemental payments issued by your insurance company if additional damage is uncovered in the course of repairs

• Be careful of scams, do not sign your entire claims check over to a contractor

• If the damage is extensive and you have a mortgage, your claim check may list you and your lienholder as payees

For more tips on hurricane preparedness, visit cca.hawaii.gov/hurricaneseason. For more consumer resources, visit cca.hawaii.com/ins/resources.