Zephyr Insurance’s recommendations for Big Island policyholders regarding Tropical Storm Lala

With the development of Tropical Storm Lala and the National Weather Service issuing a Hurricane Warning for the island of Hawaii, hurricane coverage has been initiated for Zephyr Insurance policyholders on Hawaii Island, the company announced.

Zephyr Insurance encourages policyholders to take precautions to protect their families and property and to keep their insurance policy and insurance agent’s contact information readily available.

Different insurance policies may apply depending on the type and cause of damage sustained during a hurricane. Residents should understand their coverage and contact their insurance agent with questions about their individual policies.

• Homeowners Insurance: Provides coverage for damage to a home, permanent structures on the property and personal belongings. Most homeowners policies exclude damage caused by hurricanes and floods. In Hawaiʻi, homeowners with a mortgage are required to carry homeowners insurance.

• Hurricane Insurance: A separate policy that provides coverage for damage to a home caused by hurricane winds. Homeowners with a mortgage are also required to carry hurricane insurance. Hurricane insurance does not cover flooding from streams or other flowing water.

• Flood Insurance: Provides coverage for damage caused by storm surge, overflowing streams and other types of flowing water. Flood insurance is separate coverage if this protection is not included under a homeowners policy.

• Automobile Insurance: Comprehensive automobile coverage may cover damage to a vehicle caused by a hurricane. Policyholders should contact their automobile insurance provider or agent regarding vehicle damage.

Reporting a claim

Zephyr Insurance policyholders who sustain property damage should contact their insurance agent as soon as possible. An agent’s contact information can typically be found on the Policy Declarations Page. Policyholders who are unable to reach their insurance agent may:

• Submit a Notice of Loss with a copy of the Policy Declarations Page, a contact telephone number and a description of the damage by:
  • Email: claims@zephyrinsurance.com
  • Facsimile: 808-440-5444 or 800-768-6002
  • Telephone: 808-440-5400

• Report a claim online at www.zephyrinsurance.com by selecting “Claims Process” and clicking “How Do I File a Claim?”

• Provide details about the loss, including a telephone number where the policyholder can be reached and a description of the damage, such as roof damage, water intrusion, flooding or a total loss.

Policyholders who have sustained a loss but cannot locate their Zephyr policy information or their insurance agency’s contact information may call 808-440-5400 or 800-440-5401 for assistance.

What to do after a hurricane loss

Once it is safe, Zephyr recommends that policyholders:

• Document the damage. Take photographs and videos and make a list of damaged property and belongings.

• Protect the property. Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent additional damage or looting. Use reputable contractors whenever possible and keep receipts for emergency repairs, materials and services.

• Avoid permanent repairs when possible. Do not make permanent repairs until the claim has been reviewed, unless necessary to prevent further damage.

• Gather supporting documents. Collect receipts, invoices, warranties and photographs of the property taken before the storm, if available.

• Keep damaged property. Do not discard damaged items unless they present a health or safety hazard.

• Prepare for the adjuster. Make a detailed list of property damage and, when possible, obtain written estimates from licensed and reputable contractors that include descriptions of repairs, materials and itemized pricing.

For more information, visit www.zephyrinsurance.com.