Mercury Insurance Reaches Out to Victims of Tropical Storm Ida

Mercury's Claims Hotline offers assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Press Release
• Source: Mercury Insurance
• On 7:52 pm EST, Tuesday November 10, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercury Insurance is standing by to assist policyholders who may be forced to evacuate their homes or whose property may suffer damage from wind and rain caused by Tropical Storm Ida. Ida, which was recently downgraded from tropical storm status to a tropical depression, is still packing a powerful punch. The rare, late-season event prompted Florida Governor Charles Crist to declare a state-of-emergency after Miami's National Hurricane Center forecast heavy winds and rain. Customers can easily report losses through Mercury's Claims Hotline.

Claims adjusters are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 503-3724.

"Heavy winds and rain can damage roof tiles and shingles, and degrade an otherwise good roofing system," said Joanna Moore, chief claims officer for Mercury. "Rain damage--like flood damage--can be very complex to evaluate, but our claims adjusters will work with policyholders to resolve claims related to leaking roofs due to wind and rain damage."

Mercury's claims adjusters will assess rain damage claims that may be covered under policyholders' homeowners insurance policy. More significant damage caused by flooding and debris flows is typically covered by a separate flood insurance policy provided through the National Flood Insurance Program.

"Unless someone lives in a flood zone or is required by their lender to have flood insurance, it's unlikely that they would have that kind of coverage," said Moore. "But sometimes standard homeowners policies include provisions for water damage under special conditions, and Mercury's claims team can determine this for its policyholders."

Mercury recommends that policyholders review their policies annually with their agents, who may recommend purchasing a flood policy if their homes are adjacent to a flood-risk zone or an area where heavy rains could produce a hazardous affect.

To accelerate the claims process, Mercury suggests claimants consider the following tips when filing a claim:

When filing a claim

• Contact Mercury immediately to report your loss.
• Do not remove debris or damaged property that may be related to your claim.

Steps after filing a claim

• Prepare a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged property.
• Offer photos or video tapes of your home and possessions to your claims adjuster, if these are available.
• Keep copies of communications between you and your claims adjuster.
• Keep records and receipts for additional living expenses, and provide your claims adjuster with copies, if you were forced to evacuate your home.

About Mercury Insurance

Founded in 1962, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY - News) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents and brokers in California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Visit www.mercuryinsurance.com to learn more.

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