May 28, 2015
LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury's claims department is ready to assist policyholders impacted by the recent thunderstorms and torrential rainfall throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Call Mercury's claims hotline at (800) 503-3724 or go to http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/insurance-claims/how-to-file-insurance-claim.html to file a claim.
"Mercury's claims team is here to help policyholders sort through the details of filing storm and flood-related claims, which can be complex depending on the circumstances," said Randall Petro, Chief Claims Officer for the company. "For example, surface flooding for homeowners requires a special flood insurance policy, but automobiles with comprehensive insurance are covered for flood-related damage."
Petro explained that flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is backed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It covers direct physical damage caused by a flood, and may be available through local insurance agents.
"It's always a good idea to review your policy annually with your agent, who may also recommend purchasing a flood policy if your home is adjacent to a flood risk-zone," Petro said.
Mercury's Texas and Oklahoma policyholders can help spread the word about reporting claims by following @MercuryIns on Twitter and ReTweeting this message: "Mercury policyholders impacted by TX and OK rainstorms should call (800) 503-3724 to file a claim ASAP."
Petro advises policyholders to follow a few simple procedures to help expedite the claims process.
When filing a claim
Steps after filing a claim
Mercury Insurance would also like to remind policyholders affected by thunderstorms and floods to take care when returning home because the danger has not passed for most residents in impacted areas. Unstable buildings, live dangling power lines and other hazards may remain, and families should protect themselves by knowing what to do before returning home.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends residents put together a "cleanup kit" that includes cleaning equipment (eye protection, particle respirator, rubber gloves, sponges, brooms, mops, towels, trash bags and spatulas), cleaning products (bleach and odor-neutralizing products), and safety and first aid items (flashlights, adhesive bandages, hydrogen peroxide, bottled water and antibiotic ointments).
Mercury recommends residents follow these safety tips when preparing to return to their neighborhoods and homes after this violent and deadly storm.
ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE
Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile, homeowners and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices. For more information visit www.mercuryinsurance.com or Facebook.com/MercuryInsurance and follow the company on Twitter.
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SOURCE Mercury Insurance
For further information: PCG, Kyle Reuter, (424) 903-3657, kreuter@pacificcommunicationsgroup.com