Derry
Storm damage advice from insurance department
CONCORD — In view of the recent natural disasters experienced in the state, information provided by the state Insurance Department could be helpful. Every homeowner should, for their own protection, have a list of all the belongings in the home with receipts to verify value and a picture if possible.
"Creating an inventory and storing it in a safe location away from home is one of the most basic, most effective disaster preparedness steps anyone can take to help protect themselves and their financial future," said state Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny.
Sevigny went on to say that homeowners need to understand the difference between having Actual Cash Value and Replacement Value coverage. ACV is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to one's home and contents after depreciation is figured in. Replacement cost is the amount required to replace or repair or rebuild with materials of similar quality without deducting for depreciation.
"Many consumers are not able to recover after a disaster because they don't realize how depreciation can impact assets," he said.
When faced with a loss, Sevigny advised homeowners or renters to take photos and videos of the property damage. Then homeowners should make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the property.
"Don't have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs," he said. "Save all receipts including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage."
The commissioner emphasized the importance of making temporary repairs to prevent further property damage, but before making those temporary repairs they should take photos or videos. Given the recent damaging wind, rain and lightning experienced in the state in recent days, he said the Insurance Department is doing everything it can to make it easier for consumers to access information and to refer them to appropriate sources for assistance.
"We can put people in touch with government and private entities who can help, and we can provide the public with information on how to mitigate damage and take other actions to make recovery easier," Sevigny said.
The state Insurance Department toll-free consumer hot line for concerns and questions is 1-800-852-3416. Consumers will be connected to department consumer service representatives. Department disaster information is posted at its Web site.
Sevigny also announced that he has issued emergency claims adjuster licenses to allow extra claims adjusters from other states help process claims in New Hampshire. Some storm damage claim tips from the department include:
r contact insurance agent or insurance company right away — have policy number
r leave phone numbers and or addresses where you can be reached
r check claims adjuster identification
r make temporary repairs and keep receipts
r don't pay money, make deposits or sign contracts for repairs until after claims adjuster visits
r flood damage is not usually covered except by special policies. If you are not covered, and flood damage has occurred, check all other policies for possible coverage, such as loss of food by spoilage due to electrical outage, auto damage under auto comprehensive and there may be coverage for damage from falling trees
r claims problems not resolved with insurance company should be referred to the Insurance Department at the hot line number.
- Derry
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Woman celebrates 109th birthday
ALLEGRA BOVERMAN/Staff photos A birthday party for Catherine Dion, who just turned 109, was held at the Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Derry on Monday afternoon. She was surrounded by many members of her family and residents of the center. She is blowing out the candles on the cake that spell out her name.
Derry's oldest resident was pretty in pink when she celebrated a milestone birthday Monday. Catherine Dion turned 109 on July 26 at Pleasant Valley Nursing Center, where she is a resident.
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