American Family helps customers following Wisconsin wind storm
Catastrophe team and local adjusters are responding to customers who sustained property damage from a strong wind storm that swept across southern Wisconsin.
A catastrophe team from American Family Insurance is joining local claim office employees as they help customers recover from a strong wind storm that damaged property across southern Wisconsin.
Catastrophe field adjusters are assisting local employees contact customers and set up appointments to inspect their property damage from sustained winds and gusts that knocked trees into property, downed power lines and impacted roofs.
American Family’s efforts are focused on helping customers in Dane, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.
American Family Insurance customers who have claims from storm damage should immediately contact the company's 24-hour Customer Care Center, 1-800-MY-AMFAM (692-6326). They can also report claims to their local American Family agent, or online at www.amfam.com/claims.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
How do I report my insurance claim?
To report a claim, please contact our 24-hour Claim Customer Care Center at 1-800-MY-AMFAM (692-6326) — or your American Family agent.
Can I start to make repairs to prevent further damage?
You should protect your property immediately against further damage and theft. Use plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows and damaged rooftops. Keep the receipts of any materials/services that you purchase to make these repairs so your adjuster can review them and reimburse you for expenses covered by your policy.
Do I have coverage to replace damaged trees or remove tree debris caused by the storm?
Homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage to trees or the removal of tree debris from the property. If a tree has fallen on your home and caused damage, however, we pay to cut away that part of the tree so repairs can be made; most policies pay up to $500 for removing that part of the tree from the property. Check your policy for specific coverage.
The storm caused a neighbor's tree to fall on my house? Whose insurance company should I report my claim to - the neighbor's or mine?
Report the claim to American Family Insurance. Since the cause of damage was an act of nature, your insurance policy applies. If the roles were reversed and a tree from your property fell on your neighbor's home, the neighbor's insurance policy would apply.
The power outage from the storm has caused food in my refrigerator to go bad. Does my policy pay for food spoilage in this situation?
Homeowners insurance generally pays for food spoilage in these situations up to the specific limit in your policy, regardless of whether the source of the power outage was on or away from the policyholder's property. Keep a detailed list of the food items you had to dispose of and share it with your adjuster.
Can I get an emergency advance payment?
Yes. If you have a covered loss and need emergency funds, we can provide you an advance payment. This advance payment is applied to your final claim settlement.
Is there anything I can do to help with the claim process?
Begin to compile a list of personal property and belongings you believe were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Briefly describe each item, including its age, current value, make, model and serial number.
Who do I call to make repairs?
You are free to select any contractor or repair shop you wish. It is usually best to select one who has operated in the area for several years, is insured and bonded and gives you a written guarantee for the work performed.