Disaster Recovery: Looking Ahead
As you work through the disaster recovery process take a second look at your insurance policies. It may be time to adjust your policies to meet your new coverage needs. The policy information below can help you evaluate and make sure your property and contents are properly protected.
- Flood Insurance. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers building and contents coverage. Building coverage will include items such as flooring and the electrical system. Contents coverage will cover items including your personal belongings and furniture.
- Auto Insurance. If your auto policy includes comprehensive coverage you will probably be covered for damage due to flooding. Liability coverage or liability/collision coverage will not cover flood damage to a vehicle.
- Renter's Insurance. A short term policy can help you protect your personal property if you're displaced from your home. Talk to your agent as some companies offer endorsements on homeowners policies.
If you’re an NFIP policyholder and have filed a claim following the August flood you must submit a Proof of Loss. It is required before NFIP can make payment. You have until December 2016 to submit the documentation. A Proof of Loss is the amount a policyholder is planning to claim including supporting documents.
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Assessing Your Health Care Needs
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. It’s a chance for seniors and others on Medicare to review their current Medicare health plans and make changes if necessary. It’s important to compare plans and assess your care and prescription needs. If you’re satisfied with your current plan, there is no need to make changes. Medicare health plans take effect January 1, 2017.
Our Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff can help you with your health insurance options. SHIIP provides free Medicare counseling and assistance. Over the last year more than 45,000 Louisiana Medicare beneficiaries received counseling from our certified SHIIP counselors around the state, providing them with almost $1.2 million in Medicare savings. Click here to find a SHIIP counselor in your community. For more information about open enrollment call us at 1-800-259-5300.
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Preparing a Life- Saving Plan
October is Fire Prevention Month and an opportunity to map out a plan for you and your family ahead of an emergency. Here are a few tips that can get you on track to planning your escape.
Test your smoke alarms. It’s a good idea to check the alarms monthly and batteries yearly.
Create an escape route. Figure out two different ways to get out of your home and decide on a meeting place that is a safe distance away from your home.
Practice a fire drill. Make sure everyone in your home knows different routes out of the house. Try to practice the drill twice a year.
Fire Prevention Month is a great time to get kids involved in safety practices.
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See You There
Disaster fraud and vehicle theft are two of the topics experts will cover at the 2016 Conference on Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft. The conference will take place October 12, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge Hotel. Continuing education credits are available. For more information, please visit www.ldi.la.gov/fraudconference.
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