Hawaiʻi residents urged to quickly file insurance claims following Hurricane Lala

Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division urges residents to protect their property and file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible following Hurricane Lala.

Contact your insurance company or agent right away to report the loss if your home, vehicle or personal property was damaged. Ask for your claim number and confirm any filing or documentation submission deadlines.

Starting claims promptly helps ensure coverage is applied correctly and avoids delays.

Document all damage by taking clear photos or videos. Keep damaged items until the insurance adjuster has seen them, if it is safe to do so.

Also take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as placing tarps over roof leaks or boarding broken windows, but avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer approves them.

Keep records of all expenses related to damage, including temporary repairs, hotel stays, meals and other costs caused by the storm. Save receipts and write down what was damaged, when and what actions you took to protect property.

Be available for inspections and provide any requested documents when an insurance adjuster reaches out. Review settlement offers carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

The state Insurance Division has a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video about how to file an insurance claim to help residents navigate the claims process.

These resources provide practical tips and step-by-step guidance for documenting losses, understanding coverage and working with insurers after a disaster.

Several online resources from the division are available as well to help consumers better understand their insurance coverage, including “My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What?” and “Annual Review of Your Insurance Policies.”

Consumers can contact the state Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222), extension 4, or visit the division website for claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.