Hurricane Damage

If you have experienced hurricane damage, take precautions by following the tips below, and call Safeco at 800-332-3226 to file a claim as soon as possible.

Tips for Immediate Action

Make personal safety your first priority before, during and after the hurricane.
Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information. If you evacuated (voluntarily or by an official law enforcement order), don’t return home until local authorities report that it’s safe.
Drive in the affected area only if it’s absolutely necessary and avoid flooded streets, even if the water doesn't look very deep. Roads and bridges may be weakened or washed out, and wet roads can hide downed electrical lines or underlying currents that can carry your vehicle away.
Check for damage to gas, electric, and sewage systems when you are able to do so safely.
Don’t use damaged systems until professionals have checked them. If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately, and call a professional for service.
Watch out for broken glass and sharp objects, wet electrical systems, live wires-even snakes or animals that may have taken refuge in your home.
If your power has been disrupted, don’t leave candles or your fireplace unattended, and keep the area well ventilated to avoid hazardous fumes or carbon-monoxide poisoning. If you use a generator, read the instructions carefully, and don’t run the unit indoors. Using a generator improperly could cause a fire.

Report Your Claim

Call 800-332-3226 to file a claim if you have hurricane damage. Provide at least a general description of your damage. A representative will walk you through your claim, recording the details.

A claims representative will call you after you’ve reported your claim. Most of the time, it will be within 72 hours. If you have serious damage, we will make every effort to get to you first

Make Temporary Repairs

Once it is safe to do so, it is your responsibility to take action to avoid further damage.

Water is a major cause of damage after hurricanes. The longer your building is exposed to water, the more damage you’ll see to your roof, ceiling, walls and floors—as well as any personal belongings inside.

Ventilate your home. Open windows and doors to help dry it out. If you can, cover broken windows and holes in the roof with heavy-duty tarps or plywood to prevent additional damage from rain. Move wet items to drier ground. Wash and dry whatever you can.

If you aren't sure what’s necessary to make your property safe, professionals can help. You’ll usually find them listed under "Contractors" or "Water Damage Restoration" in your phone directory. As part of documenting the damage, save receipts from any temporary repairs you make.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you chose when you purchased the policy. Reviewing your policy will help you prepare questions for your claims representative.

Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair common hurricane damage—including damage to roofs, walls, cars, and your belongings. Your deductible applies, however. You also may have a higher deductible for wind/hail damage that applies to hurricanes.

If you can’t live in your home, Safeco will pay additional living expenses, as noted in your policy, while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered in your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.

Remember that your Safeco home insurance policy does not cover flood damage. If you purchased a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, contact your agent to file a claim for flood-related damages.

Document Your Damage

As soon as you can, make a thorough list of items that the hurricane damaged—this will help us process your claim faster. Document the damage with photos, video, bills, and receipts. Also, don’t throw out damaged items—especially expensive items.

Your claims representative will advise you on the specific information we need from you to process your claim.

Schedule Permanent Repairs

Safeco requires you to wait until your claims professional assesses your damage before you begin making permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible after that because contractors can be difficult to schedule after a hurricane. Use a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor, and check references.

Understand Your Responsibility

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the hurricane. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace damage with fiberglass materials-but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile.

If damage is extensive, people sometimes decide to take the opportunity to upgrade their property with better or more expensive materials. Safeco will pay only to replace materials of comparable kind and quality. If you want to pay the additional expense to upgrade, you’re welcome to do so out of your personal budget.

Any time you make improvements to your property, talk to your local Safeco agent to make sure you have enough insurance, and to find out if you are eligible for discounts.

Download a printable version of this information.