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Posted on: August 3, 2020

Isaias Storm Recovery Information

Isaias Updates:

If you need help finding your company’s insurance claims number, please click here.
The National Hurricane Center confirms Isaias made landfall near Ocean Isle, NC . Flooding may still remain throughout parts of the S.C. coast. Take caution.
Here are the 5 am EDT Monday, August 3 Key Messages for Tropical Storm Isaias. For the full advisory on Isaias, click here.

Recovery

If you experienced damage due to a storm, remember to:

Secure the area - such as looking for dangerous fallen power lines or gas leaks - stay away from these areas if you notice such damage and call your insurance agent.
If the area is safe, take photos of the damage and then take steps to mitigate any further damage that could happen. For example, if there is a hole in your roof, take steps to cover the area with a tarp to prevent further damage to the inside of your home.
Immediately file a claim with your insurance company. Keep all photos and receipts, these will be useful in processing your claim.

How We Can Help:

Our Office of Consumer Services can help answer your questions about property insurance or other types of insurance.
They can be reached during normal business hours, Monday to Friday through email at consumers@doi.sc.gov or through the phone at 803-737-6180 / toll-free: 1-800-768-3467.

Insurance Claims Information:

Typically, once a storm is named and is likely to have an impact on the area, insurance companies declare a moratorium for new policies and coverage changes to existing policies. So make sure coverage is in place prior to the start of hurricane season!

Auto, Homeowners and Property Insurance:

Report any non-flood insurance claims by contacting your agent or insurance company.
Claims Phone Numbers for Insurance Companies
For SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SC Wind Pool) information, go to scwind.com
Download our storm readiness guide for more information on what to do after a storm has passed.
Your insurance company may reimburse the expenses of temporary repairs, so keep all receipts.

Flood Insurance:

A flood is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more properties from overflow of inland or tidal waters, from unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any sources, or mudflow. The standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not include coverage for flood damage, including damage resulting from storm surge. You will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home from damages due to flood. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance coverage. Please be aware that there is a thirty-day waiting period for coverage to become effective. Visit the NFIP at www.floodsmart.gov for information about this important coverage. You may also contact your insurance agent for information about purchasing a flood insurance policy through NFIP or from a private insurance carrier.

If you currently have flood insurance and have experienced flooding, report a flood insurance claim by contacting your agent or insurance company. Find their toll-free number here.

Tips for Filing Your Flood Insurance Claim
The NFIP Flood Claim Process
NFIP Residential Policies: What’s Covered
NFIP Commercial Policies: What’s Covered
NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook

For additional help, visit the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) website for more information.

How to Spot A Scam

Unfortunately, often there are individuals that may try to take advantage of people as they are working to recover. While it is important to always safeguard your personal information, it is especially important following a natural disaster.

As you work to recover and repair your property you will likely be sharing your personal information with government officials, financial institutions, insurance personnel such as adjusters as well as contractors and repairmen. You must stay alert and ask for identification of these individuals before providing your personal information.
Contact the company or organization the individual is representing and verify their identity.
Do not provide personal or financial information to someone until you have verified their identity.
Send your information securely.
For home repairs, do not pay in full upfront for repairs and make sure you have a copy of a written contract before the work begins.

File an Insurance Complaint

If you’re having a specific problem with an insurance company, broker, agent, or adjuster, file a complaint with our Office of Consumer Services at doi.sc.gov/complaint.

Report Suspected Insurance Fraud to the SC Attorney General’s Office

If you suspect someone has committed any type of insurance fraud, call the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Hotline toll-free at 1-888-95-FRAUD or complete the Insurance Fraud Complaint Form online. You don’t have to reveal your identity. For more information about insurance fraud, go to scag.gov/insurance-fraud.

Report Suspected Price Gouging to the SC Attorney General’s Office

The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is requesting all suspected instances of price gouging to be reported. Please send the name and location of the establishment, the price they are charging, and any examples or documentation of the alleged price gouging.

Email: pricegouging@scag.gov │ Call: 803-737-3953 │ Tweet: @SCPriceGouging For More Information: SCAG Price Gouging Webpage or SCAG Media Release

Storm Readiness

Steps You Should Take Now to Prepare for the Next Storm

Download the SCDOI’s storm readiness guide.
Double check to make sure you have all emergency supplies listed in the South Carolina Hurricane Guide. Include items like hand sanitizer and face mask to guard against COVID-19.
Have multiple ways to get emergency warnings for your area. Some options include Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone, NOAA Weather Radio and CodeRED Emergency Notifications.
Heed warnings issued by local public safety officials. When you hear an official alert, take safety precautions immediately.
Residents who live in mobile homes or in low lying areas prone to flooding, need to consider staying elsewhere during a storm. Stay with friends and family as a first option. Go to a motel or hotel, if possible. Emergency shelters should be considered an absolute last resort option due to COVID-19.
If shelters are opened based on immediate need, their locations will be posted on SCEMD’s website, on the shelter locator tool on the SC Emergency Manager mobile app, and announced via local media. Safety precautions to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 infections will be available at all emergency shelters.

Be Aware of Flooding

If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Do not wait to be told to move.
Do not walk through moving water; three to six inches of moving water can cause you to fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving, using a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
Do not ever try to drive around or move barricades that are blocking a street.
Learn more about the importance of flood insurance here.