How Agents Can Help Clients Prepare for Height of Hurricane Season

Published on: July 28, 2020

Hurricane Hanna reminded us that hurricane season is here. With that in mind as we enter the height of hurricane season in August and September, we urge agents to prepare their clients for future storms now to help improve their claims experience later.

Here are three things you can do to make sure your clients will be ready to recover after a storm.

1. Verify Policyholder Contact Information in Policy Center
Why is this important? Before and after a storm hits, communication with policyholders by phone and email has proven essential. Make sure we have your clients’ correct contact information in advance. This ensures we can send them timely updates with important information about the claims process.

2. Make Sure the Insured Property Information Is Correct
Why is this important? Most inaccuracies cannot be changed after a claim has been filed. Incorrect information can potentially affect your client’s claim payment.

  • Make sure the insured location address is right.
  • Confirm residential property is properly classified as a primary or secondary residence.
  • Verify the policy declarations page reflects the correct information.

3. Review Coverage with Clients and Adjust as Needed Now
Why is this important? Once a hurricane enters the Gulf, it may be too late to get a new policy or make changes to an existing policy.

  • Confirm with them that they have enough and the right coverage.
    • Remind them that TWIA policies only cover damage caused by wind and hail.
    • Encourage them to purchase flood insurance before the height of hurricane season.
  • Do this now, before a hurricane enters the Gulf.
    • TWIA stops processing new business and increase coverage requests under certain circumstances.
    • Once enacted, a moratorium remains in effect until the TWIA General Manager determines the storm no longer poses a threat to the TWIA coverage area.

For more resources for agents, please visit www.twia.org/agents/resources or contact our Policy Services team at agentservices@twia.org.