With the dangerous Hurricane Isabel bearing down on the East Coast it's too late for some households to make sure they have adequate insurance coverage.

For those who do, while battening the hatches, it's also a good time to examine your policy and know what steps to take should you need to file a claim.

On. Sept. 16 Hurricane Isabel was packing 110 to 115 mile per hour winds. Hurricane gales range from 74 miles per hour to greater than 155 miles per hour. At the lower end, unanchored mobile homes are in danger. At the higher end roofs blow and the structure of some buildings fail, according to The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Hurricanes also often bring torrential rains that can cause flooding. Unfortunately, it's too late for those threatened by Hurricane Isabel to buy flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program says policies it issues don't take effect until 30 days after the purchase. Many companies also refuse to issue policies in areas already subject to hurricane warnings, according to Insurance Agents & Brokers (IAB) of Delaware, a trade group representing agents in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

IAB offers a series of questions and answers to help you cope with claims arising out of this and future hurricanes.

"Remember: every situation is different and many policies, while similar, are seldom exactly the same. Just as the "one-size-fits-all" insurance policy is a myth, so is the idea that all questions about what is covered can be answered definitively, without knowing all the provisions of the insurance policy; the final determination can only be made by the insurance company," IAB advises.

Q: I have reported my claim, now what should I do?

A: Take steps to prevent further damage. If you haven't already board your windows and roof, dry out carpets and personal property. If you don't take steps to prevent further damage additional claims may not be covered. While attempting to prevent further damage, don't attempt permanent repairs, dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster can see it as evidence. Food and other perishable items that must be discarded should be photographed or video taped to substantiate claims. (Without enhanced coverage, most residential policies do not cover food spoilage resulting from power outages.) Retain all receipts for emergency repairs and additional living costs.

Q: How can I speed up the claims process?

A: Priority goes to the most severe losses. Larger claims typically are settled in stages, not all at once. Otherwise secure two or more repair estimates for the adjuster's review. Photograph or video tape the damaged property. You also should have a visual record of the property before the loss. If not, take some time now to create such records. List all damaged property, including a description, age, original cost, and place of purchase and estimated replacement cost. Any receipts or canceled checks for these items should also be included. Expect paperwork delays during major storms and emergencies.

Q: What if my home becomes uninhabitable?

A: Most policies offer Additional Living Expenses coverage with some benefits for temporary housing and some living costs. Retain all receipts for such expenses which should be in line with normal living costs and must be a necessary and direct result of the loss.

Q: What coverage is available for downed trees?

A: Standard homeowners policies typically offer no coverage for damage to trees by "weather perils" such as wind. If the tree falls and causes damage to covered property -- your house, fence or garage -- the damage to the structure would be covered. Separate windstorm coverage is available as an add on.

Q: What if my claim check isn't enough?

A: Perhaps the terms of your policy call for an initial actual cash basis settlement and replacement cost paid when the repairs or replacement is actually complete. Check your policy and with your agent. Your policy should have "Guaranteed Replacement Cost" terms, which means it will provide benefits that fully replace losses at today's costs, up to your policy's dollar limit. Otherwise, actual cash value coverage will subtract from replacement cost some amount for depreciation, age or obsolescence.

Published: September 17, 2003

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A journalist for 35-years, Broderick Perkins parlayed an old-school daily newspaper career into a digital news service offering editorial content and consulting services. Perkins' San Jose, CA-based DeadlineNews Group includes the flagship news site, DeadlineNews.Com, offering real estate, personal finance and consumer journalism, and a backshop, the Deadline Newsroom.