FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR GUSTAV

First of all, make sure you visit this very useful website if you were affected by Hurricane Gustav
http://emergency.louisiana.gov/ Here you can find a variety of vital updates… even down to gas stations open.

Now about financial assistance…

The first question many of you ask is, “Will FEMA help?” The bottom line is it’s a case by case basis.  As many of you know there was a lot of misuse with the funds FEMA provided after KATRINA (if you were lucky enough to get assistance) so you need to explain your individual case and MAKE SURE YOU SAVE RECEIPTS. But here’s what FEMA told me, if the condition of your house is prohibiting you from returning for health or safety reasons (and that can include no power, water, or electricity) FEMA will likely assist with temporary housing whether it be extended hotel stay, or a shelter in some cases. But you have to explain your individual case – and you have to save all receipts.  *FEMA will not help with food or gas.

There are 2 ways to apply 

• 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-621-fema) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY users hearing impaired)
• www.fema.gov

FEMA recommends your first line of defense be your insurance company, which of course creates anxiety for many of us.  Make sure you read these tips (from the commissioner’s office)

• File your claim ASAP-  your policy might have a certain time frame
• Provide accurate detailed information … incorrect or incomplete information  could cause a delay in processing your claim.
• Keep a log of all conversations with insurance companies. Write down information about your telephone and in-person discussions, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. also keep a record of your time and expenses. 
• Keep copies and records of all correspondence.
• Ask about additional living expenses if your home is damaged to the point that you can’t live in it
• Take photographs or videos of the damage
• Your homeowners and auto policies might require you to make temporary repairs
  to protect your property from further damage.  If possible, take photographs or a
  video of the damage before making temporary repairs.
• Save all receipts from the temporary and permanent repairs covered by your
  insurance policy. Your policy should cover the cost of these temporary repairs. (You might want to postpone permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the repair costs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage.)
• Try to determine what it will cost to repair your property before you
  meet with the claims adjuster.
• Ask the claims adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
• If the first offer made by an insurance company does not meet your expectations,
  be prepared to negotiate the offer.
• Secure bids from multiple contractors. Ask for at least three references and check
  with your state licensing board and the better business bureau about the
  contractor’s record. Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits,
  insurance and bonding. Record the contractor’s license plate number and driver’s
  license number.
• Be wary of contractors who demand payment in full before work is completed. if
  the contractor needs payment to buy supplies, accompany the contractor and pay
  the supplier directly.
• If you cannot cover all of your living expenses following a disaster, contact your
  creditors to negotiate a payment plan.
• If you are injured in the disaster, ask your physician to provide your insurance
  company with details about your treatment, medical conditions and prognosis.  If you suspect a medical provider is overcharging, ask the insurance company to audit the bill and verify whether the provider used the proper billing procedure.
• If there is a disagreement about a claim, ask the company for a written letter
  explaining the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which
  the claim is being denied. if you have any questions regarding the fairness of your
  settlement, contact your state insurance department for assistance.

Other info from commissioner’s office:

TREES ON HOMES–  Generally speaking, if your neighbor’s healthy tree falls on your home, fence, or other property, it is your insurance company’s responsibility to pay for repairing the damage. Your neighbor’s insurer would probably only accept liability and pay for the damage if the tree was dead or weakened in such a way that the owner should have known it was dangerous before it fell.

When will you get your money?  Sometimes you will receive a check quickly. However, an insurance company has up to 30 days to pay your claim after you give them satisfactory proof of loss.

NOT SATISFIED WITH INSURANCE COMPANY?

File a complaint with the Department of Insurance- For a form call 1-800-259-5300 or
225-342-1258, or print it off the Web site and mail the completed form and copies of any supporting material to:
Louisiana Department of Insurance
Property and Casualty Consumer Complaints
P.O. Box 94214, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804

Good luck to you, and welcome home.

Melanie