Allstate Provides Steps for Filing Flood Claims

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Restoring a flood damaged home can feel overwhelming. Most homeowners, condo and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage.  You can contact your private insurance company about flood damage if you have purchased your National Flood Insurance Program policy through them, and file a flood claim. Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) policyholders who have purchased NFIP policies can make a claim by calling 1-800-54-STORM or by contacting their local Allstate agent.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE

If your home was damaged by the recent flooding and you do not have a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, you may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA. For more information visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

ALLSTATE AND NFIP RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING STEPS FOR FILING YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIM:

• Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.
• Call your agent or insurance company and make sure to mention that your damage is flood specific and you need to file a National Flood Insurance Program claim so your claim is processed appropriately.
• Ask for an approximate time frame for having an adjuster visit your home so you can plan accordingly.
• Make sure your agent knows how to contact you. If you are in a shelter and not easy to reach, provide the name of a designated relative or point-of-contact who can reach you.
• If local officials require disposal, keep a swatch or other sample of the damaged item. Take a lot of pictures.
• Separate damaged items from undamaged items. If necessary, place items outside the home.
• Take lots of photos. Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (i.e. cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your estimate.
• Notify creditors if bills have been lost or you're unable to pay.
• Call your utility company and ask them to stop billing if your home is uninhabitable or has been destroyed.
• Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process.

To begin the rebuilding process as quickly as possible, Allstate wants Tennessee homeowners who purchased a NFIP policy through an Allstate agent and who were affected by recent flooding to know they can file their claim by calling 1-800-54-STORM.

Wind, flood (if an NFIP policy through an Allstate agent) and auto damage can be reported at the same time at 1-800-54-STORM. Allstate customers should inform the Claim Service Center personnel that there are two or more claims to file at the same time, including an NFIP claim. This process ensures proper documentation and allows Allstate to assign adjusters to the claims.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

The NFIP provides flood insurance throughout the country, and claims are paid by the NFIP. Policies are sold and managed by private insurance companies like Allstate. Homeowners can request flood insurance through their local Allstate agent.

According to the NFIP's Web site, www.floodsmart.gov FEMA, the average premium for an NFIP flood insurance policy is $540 per year – or $1.48 per day – for approximately $100,000 worth of building coverage. The maximum coverage amounts are $250,000 for a single-family home and $100,000 for its contents.

In general, a policy does not take effect until 30 days after you purchase flood insurance. So, if the weather forecast announces a flood alert for your area and you go to purchase coverage, it's already too late. You will not be insured if you buy a policy a few days before a flood.

More information about this process can be found at both http://www.allstate.com and http://www.floodsmart.gov

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company