Filing Property Claims from Hurricane Ike

To clients and associates with property potentially in the path of Hurricane Ike. Following are some practical considerations if you incur damage and need to file a property claim:

• Take necessary measures to physically protect property. Consider securing generators or other equipment you may need to get business back up and running.
• Keep records of what you do and the costs you incur. If you are a tenant advise your landlord of your damages ASAP. Have a copy of the lease available for adjuster review.
• Costs incurred to reduce your loss of income will more than likely be a covered cost.
• Mitigate your damages and protect your property from further damage – this is an insured's obligation under the policy and normally covered as an emergency expense (subject to the policy conditions, etc.).
• Do not throw away damaged items before adjuster approval. If something must go (i.e. carpet) save a 12" square of it so they adjuster can see the grade of carpet. Also take good photos of the items as well.
• It may be easier to track expenses by putting claim related expenses in their own "bucket" for accounting purposes.

In these large catastrophe situations, claims are usually processed in the order in which they are received—so the quicker information is given to your insurance company the better. Here are some of the major insurance company 800 numbers:

Chubb 800-252-4670
Fireman's Fund 800-347-3428
Travelers 800-238-6225
C.N.A, 877-262-2727
Hartford 800-327-3636
Affiliated/FM Global 877-NEW LOSS
AIG 877-802-5246
Lexington 800-931-9546

If you have difficulty reporting a claim to your insurance carrier and need assistance, please contact the Mesirow Financial Claims Department at 312.595.6200 or 888.973.2323. If you are calling after hours you will be prompted how to page the Mesirow Financial claims person on call.