Alabamians have filed an estimated 65,000 insurance claims related to last week’s storms, according to Governor Robert Bentley and Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling.
The Alabama Department of Insurance developed the estimate from claim counts provided by various insurers.
“This is clearly the first wave of claims,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “In our meeting with the larger insurers on Wednesday, we were assured that the companies were making every effort to find their policyholders in order to expedite the claims process and keep the promises they’ve made to Alabama citizens.
“With nearly 2,000 adjusters already on the ground, and more on the way, there will be considerable activity to adjust these claims.”
Commissioner Ridling expects a second wave of claims to be filed next week.
“With some areas just reopening, it is likely that people will wait through the weekend, and claims will spike again as early as Monday,” he said. “Thus far, the claims process appears to be running as smoothly as possible. Even so, if Alabamians have a problem, we want them to know that they should call the Department of Insurance for assistance or to get an answer to any insurance-related question they might have.”
The Department of Insurance can be reached at 1-800-433-3966. The Department will be open for telephone calls on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., on Sunday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is also staffing various disaster recovery centers established by FEMA.
Governor Bentley renewed his call for Alabama citizens to seek assistance from FEMA.
“If you were affected in any way, this resource is here to help you, particularly if you do not have insurance coverage,” Governor Bentley said. “But I encourage all affected to register.”
The number to register for individual and business assistance through FEMA is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing or speech impaired can use the TTY line at 1-800-462-7585. The registration lines are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Registration may also be accomplished online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.
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