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Augusta, Maine -

“Although most of the winter season is still ahead of us, December has brought an active storm pattern to Maine and the rest of the country,” stated Acting Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa. “Winter's first storms have left a path of damage and power outages across the country. When a storm strikes, it is important to know what to do if your home is damaged or if you are involved in a car accident.” The following are some guidelines to help you deal with property damage or an automobile accident.

What to do When your Home is Damaged

• Call your insurance company or agent to report the damage as soon as possible. Have your policy number and other relevant information ready. Work with the insurance company, and ask what documentation you will need to submit a claim.
• Take photographs/video of the damage.
• Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e., cover broken windows, leaking roofs, and damaged walls). Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
• Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs that are covered by your insurance policy.
• If your home is damaged and you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.

What Damage to Your Home is Covered?

Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure caused by weight of ice or snow are all covered under most standard homeowners policies. Frozen pipes due to extreme cold might not be covered if the damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company if you need clarification or have specific questions.

What Damage to Your Home is Not Covered?

The following events are typically not covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy:

• interior water damage from a storm when there is no damage to the roof or walls of your home;
• damage as the result of a flood;
• removal of fallen trees (if the trees do not land on and damage your home);
• food spoilage due to a power outage;
• water damage from backed-up drains or sewers.

Some insurers offer endorsements (i.e., additional protection that you can buy) for specific coverage not included in the standard homeowner policy. Check with your agent or company to determine your needs.

What to Do if You Are in An Automobile Accident

• Call the police to report the accident.
• Make sure to obtain the following information: names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers of all persons involved in the accident, and any witnesses.
• Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of vehicles involved, apparent damages, and injuries, and your version of what happened.
• Call your insurance agent or company to report the incident as soon as possible. Ask your agent what documents, forms, and data you will need.
• Take notes each time you talk with your insurance company, agent, lawyers, police, or others involved in the situation. Write down the dates, times, and names of people you talked to as well as any decisions or promises that were made.
• Ask your insurance company if you have coverage for a rental vehicle if your car is not drivable. Save all receipts and bills, including those from renting a car or having your car towed and/or stored.

Contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance

If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount the claim settlement, contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance for help (800-300-5000 toll free in Maine).

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation which encourages sound ethical business practices through high quality, impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can reach the Bureau through its web site at www.maine.gov/insurance; by calling 800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.

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Last Updated: April 7, 2009 2:38 PM