Allstate Launches "Good Hands for Hurricane Victims" Consumer Education Program

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In keeping with the Good Hands promise, Allstate will provide information sessions for the general public to help hurricane victims file insurance claims and access government support programs.

"Allstate will help the general public understand how to fully utilize their insurance policies and government support programs to rebuild after the Hurricanes Harvey and Irma," said Tom Wilson, Allstate chairman and chief executive officer. "We do this for our customers through Allstate Agencies and claim professionals and are now going to share this expertise with others. Extending the Good Hands to everybody shows we are a different type of company and, quite simply, it's just the right thing to do."

Allstate's consumer education program includes:

• Information Sessions – Whether you're a customer or not, Allstate is here to help. The Good Hands Education Center will be in the Houston area the week of September 18, and in Texas through the end of the month. Sessions will also be conducted in affected areas of Florida starting the first week of October. Dates and times will be shared on allstate.com.

• Good Hands Recovery Guide – The Allstate Good Hands Recovery Guide provides information for Hurricane Harvey and Irma victims. The guide includes key contacts and information for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Disaster management, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and other resources.

After storms like Harvey and Irma, people often have questions about their coverage and where to seek help. Here are four steps to begin:

Step One: Call your agent or insurance company and review your auto and home insurance policies.

Most comprehensive auto polices provide coverage for vehicles damaged by floods or rising water. Allstate covers flood damage on automobiles if you purchased comprehensive coverage. If you purchased a policy that only covers collision losses, you likely will not have coverage for damage from a flood.

Flood damage to homes is not part of most private company homeowners insurance policies, but instead is provided by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP offers maximum limits of up to $250,000 on homes and up to $500,000 on non-residential buildings. Contents coverage may be purchased separately and has a limit up to $100,000 for homes and up to $500,000 for non-residential buildings. If you purchased a NFIP policy through an Allstate agency, you can call 1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676). Allstate is a servicing agent for the NFIP that will work to settle the claim. Under certain conditions described by FEMA, advance payments can be issued to NFIP policyholders up to $20,000 to help customers start the rebuilding process.

Step Two: File your claim.

Prior to contacting your insurance company, check your records. You may have different insurance companies that provide coverage for different losses such as a separate wind or flood policy. For example, in Texas some wind coverage is provided by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Once you have your information, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. For Allstate, you can contact any local Allstate agency, call 1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676), or log in to allstate.com and start your claim online. If you call Allstate and do not have your information we'll help access it for you. Contact information for several other insurance companies can be found in the Allstate Good Hands Recovery Guide.

Step Three: Document your damage.

If it's safe to do so, start separating damaged from undamaged property. If possible, use your phone to take photos of the damaged property. This includes any discarded items, structural damage and standing flood levels. Documenting the damage to your home and having evidence of your possessions helps the adjuster prepare a repair estimate.

Step Four: Look into federal aid programs.

If you did not purchase a flood policy from the NFIP, there may be government assistance programs available. Please visit https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance for further information.

The "Good Hands for Hurricane Victims" consumer education program is part of the $3 million plan that Allstate and The Allstate Foundation have committed to support relief and recovery efforts.

About The Allstate Corporation:

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®." Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation