With so many people affected by the California wildfires, Metro General Insurance Agency wants to share some Frequently Asked Questions. Right or wrong, when a natural disaster occurs, it tends to be a wake up call for everyone else who was not affected to take note and start making a plan to be preparted in the event of a fire, earthquake, flooding etc.
Q: What should a customer do if they don’t receive their next bill or if their current bill was destroyed in the fire?
A: Customers should be advised to obtain an alternate mailing address and contact your insurance carrier to update their insurance policies. In the meantime, most carriers can offer several options for remitting payment including EFT, credit card, or pay over the phone.
Q: Should customers keep their current property policy in force if their house was destroyed by fire?
A: Yes, the policy provides coverage while living in a temporary residence. Maintaining adequate property coverage for their existing belongings, for any purchases that are made subsequent to the loss, and for personal liability is essential. Customers have several options available to help them determine the proper amount of Coverage A for their home as they begin the rebuilding process. Customers should contact their Independent Agent to discuss all their coverage needs during this time.
Q: Should customers keep their current auto policy in force if their car was destroyed by fire?
A: Yes, maintaining liability coverage when operating a vehicle, including a temporary substitute or non- owned auto, such as a rental car, is essential. Note: that if a destroyed vehicle is replaced, the customer has 30 days to notify their carrier of the replacement to avoid any interruption in coverage. Customers should contact their Independent Agent to discuss all their coverage needs during this time.
Q: If a customer has both their auto and home policy with a Preferred Carrier (Allied, Travelers, State Farm, Hartford, Allstate etc) will they still receive a premium discount if there is a total loss on one or both policies?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the customer need to purchase the Dwelling Under Construction endorsement while the home is being rebuilt?
A: If the building contractor does not carry coverage for theft of building materials, then we do recommend that you purchase this coverage. Customers should contact their Independent Agent to discuss coverage needs during the reconstruction of their home.
Q: Will customers be reimbursed for increased living expenses incurred because they were forced to evacuate from their home?
A: Yes, (Most Carriers) coverage is provided for increased living expenses if the evacuation was mandatory. This coverage is subject to the policy deductible. If a mandatory evacuation was ordered subsequent to a voluntary evacuation, most Carriers will pay from the date of the mandatory evacuation forward. In order to answer specific questions regarding this coverage, customers should contact their Carriers Claim Department. PLEASE NOTE Customers should keep receipts for their living expenses and be advised that the coverage is for the shortest time required to repair or replace the premises or unitl the dollar amount is used. Check your policy or contact your Carriers Claim Deparment for details.
Q: Is there a waiting period that must be met before submitting a claim for Coverage D Loss of Use coverage?
A: No, there is no waiting period associated with the coverage.
Q: If a customer is temporarily living in another town, will their auto policy be re-rated to reflect the temporary change in residence?
A: No, the auto policy will continue to be rated based on the vehicles’ permanent garaging address.
