Insurers are mobilizing to help Harvey victims

By BETH BUCZYNSKI

NerdWallet

The nation’s insurance companies are preparing for an onslaught of claims as Harvey’s toll in Texas comes into focus.

Although it’s still too early to assess damage in the region, losses covered by property policies are expected to top $1 billion. Total losses due to continued rains and flooding will be even greater, since property policies don’t cover flooding and only about 20 percent of Texas homeowners have flood insurance, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.

Here are how some major insurance companies are mobilizing for customers as well as tips for contacting agents and filing claims.

ALLSTATE

“We have hundreds of claims personnel staged in the Austin area ready to move into the damaged areas when it is safe to do so,” Justin Herndon, Allstate spokeman, said.

Customers can report their claim at an Allstate office, mobile claims center or by calling 1-800-547-8676.

FARMERS INSURANCE

Customers can find mobile claims centers at Farmers.com/catastrophe or at @FarmersResponse on Twitter.

GEICO

Customers can report property damage with the company’s mobile app, at Geico.com or by calling 1-800-841-3000. The company’s Twitter account also asks customers to get help by sending a direct message.

LIBERTY MUTUAL

The company has catastrophe-response teams in position to respond to policyholders affected by Harvey, according to Glenn Greenberg, director of media relations for Liberty Mutual. Customers can report claims at LibertyMutual.com/claims or by calling 1-800-225-2467.

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE

“We have one of our mobile Claims Response Units and several associates staged in Dallas,” David Gilligan, a spokesman for Nationwide, said. Customers can call the claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or contact their local agent.

PROGRESSIVE

Before Harvey hit, Progressive’s website said claims experts were prepared to assist customers in Texas and Louisiana. Policyholders can report claims online or by calling 1-800-776-4737. For information, go to Progressive-Responds.com.

STATE FARM

Thousands of claims specialists have been assigned to respond to Harvey, including catastrophe-response teams that will deploy from Austin and Dallas, according to Jim Camoriano, State Farm spokesman.

Special mobile units are set up to receive customers. Customers can call 1-800-732-5246 or visit st8.fm/claim to file a claim.