Dear Agent,
Now is the time to make sure your clients are prepared to recover from a hurricane (scroll down for steps you can take). We have officially entered the height of hurricane season, with September 10 considered the peak, as shown in the graphic below.
| Number of Tropical Cyclones per 100 Years (Source) |
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Tropical Depression 14 is currently active in the Caribbean and, according to the National Hurricane Center, expected to strengthen and enter the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. TWIA is closely monitoring the storm and will keep you informed of our preparation if catastrophic weather threatens the Texas coast.
| Tropical Depression 14 (Source) |
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Three Things You Can Do Now to Help Your Clients Recover from a Hurricane
Here are three things you can do to make sure your clients will be ready to recover after a storm.
1. Review Coverage with Clients and Adjust as Needed Now
Why is this important? Once a hurricane enters the Gulf, it may be too late to get a new policy or make changes to an existing policy.
- Confirm with them that they have enough and the right coverage.
- Remind them that TWIA policies only cover damage caused by wind and hail.
- Encourage them to purchase flood insurance as soon as possible.
- Do this now, before a hurricane enters the Gulf.
- TWIA stops processing new business and increase coverage requests under certain circumstances.
- Once enacted, a moratorium remains in effect until the TWIA General Manager determines the storm no longer poses a threat to the TWIA coverage area.
2. Verify Policyholder Contact Information in Policy Center
Why is this important? Before and after a storm hits, communication with policyholders by phone and email has proven essential. Make sure we have your clients' correct contact information in advance. This ensures we can send them timely updates with important information about the claims process.
3. Make Sure the Insured Property Information Is Correct
Why is this important? Most inaccuracies cannot be changed after a claim has been filed. Incorrect information can potentially affect your client's claim payment.
- Make sure the insured location address is right.
- Confirm residential property is properly classified as a primary or secondary residence.
- Verify the policy Declarations page reflects the correct information.
For more resources for agents, please visit www.twia.org/agents/resources or contact our Agent Services team at agentservices@twia.org.
Sincerely,
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association |
