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Everything you need to know about the Safeco claims process, including step-by-step guidance on what to do when the unexpected happens.
Hurricane Claims
We’ll Be There When You Need Us
High wind from a hurricane can damage your roof, siding and personal belongings. Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair damage caused by a hurricane. However, you may have a higher deductible for wind and hail damage on your primary property policy than you do for other types of claims. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. If you’re uncertain, ask your local Safeco agent to review your policy and explain the details to you.
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What to Do After a Hurricane
Severe winds from a hurricane can down electric lines, telephone poles and trees. Heavy rain can cause water damage and flooding. If a hurricane has been through your town or neighborhood, be careful. Take some precautions by following these tips:
1. Be Safe
Make Personal Safety Your First Priority
- Watch out for snakes and animals that may have taken refuge in your home.
- Don’t run a generator or barbecue grill indoors. Hazardous fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly.
- Don’t leave candles or a fireplace unattended, and keep the area well ventilated.
- Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
- Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
- If you were evacuated, don’t return home until local authorities say it’s safe for you to do so.
Check for Damage
- Check gas, electric and sewage systems, and your chimney.
- If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately, and call a professional for service.
- Stay out of your home if it is severely damaged.
Drive with Extreme Caution
- Watch out for downed trees, power lines and debris.
- Be aware that bridges and roads may be weakened or washed out.
- Avoid flooded streets. They can hide downed electrical lines or underlying currents that can carry your car away.
2. Call Us
800-332-3226
When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.
Be ready to provide the following:
- Where is the damaged property?
- How extensive is the damage?
- Are temporary repairs needed?
- If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number?
- What is your current contact information and the best time to reach you?
Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about damage caused by the hurricane. If you’re able to take photographs and videos of the damage, they can be extremely helpful to the claims process. Owner’s manuals, serial numbers and credit card statements can also be used to help document personal belongings that may have been damaged, lost or stolen.
We will do our best to contact you within 72 hours after you file your claim to discuss what happens next. If you experienced serious hurricane damage, we will make every effort to get to you first.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Safeguard Your Home and Car
Water is a major cause of damage after hurricanes. The longer your house is exposed to water, the more damage you’ll see to your roof, ceiling, walls and floors, as well as any personal belongings inside. After the storm has passed, it’s important to dry out any water damaged inside your home. Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate and speed up the drying process.
Hurricane Damage to Your Home
- Clean up any broken glass and remove debris.
- Board up broken windows and doors.
- Cover roof damage with tarps or plywood.
- Move wet items to drier ground.
- If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
- Save receipts for any temporary repair expenses.
Hurricane Damage to Your Car
- Cover broken car windows with tarps or plastic sheeting.
- Move any wet items to a dry place.
- If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
4. Repair Your House and Car
Get Your House Repaired
Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the hurricane damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our free Safeco Contractor Referral service.
Get Your Car Fixed
If your car has been damaged in a hurricane, see Car Repairs and Damage Estimates for more information on how to get it fixed.
Temporary Housing
While Your Home is Being Repaired or Rebuilt
If you are unable to live in your home while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco will pay for additional living expenses, typically for up to 24 months. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered in your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.
Home Improvements
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade
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 the damaged area with fiberglass, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.
Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.
Download a printable version of this information.
Flood Damage
Your Safeco home insurance policy does not cover flood damage. If you purchased a policy through the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, contact your agent to file a claim for flood related damages.