1. Gather information about toll-free numbers for claims and online resources.
When a storm is on the way, you don’t want to be looking for information about where your policyholders can get help if you’re unavailable.
Have this information already on hand and easily accessible so that you can email, tweet and text information when it’s needed most. Follow LDI on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn so you can share valuable insurance and storm info with your clients.
2. Talk to your staff about expectations and plans before, during and after a storm.
Will your staff be evacuating? Do you know where to contact them if they do evacuate? Do they have the ability to come back to work if the power is out? Will they have to bring children with them? Having conversations about what is expected of staff before the storm is coming will make things easier if the time comes.
3. Keep your contact information up to date.
Reminding policy holders to keep their contact information up to date is second nature, but does the Louisiana Department of Insurance have your up to date contact information? You can use Industry Access to check your information now.
4. Review your own disaster plan.
Just as your coverage can change year to year, an insurance company’s formulary (the list of prescription drugs they cover) can change at any point (usually month to month). As new drugs are created and older drugs are released as generics, you can work with your doctor to ensure that you are taking the best drug for your needs and situation.
5. Create a communication plan.
Technology can be a life saver during an emergency. Mass voicemail or texting apps can be pre-programmed with information for your policyholders.
6. Remind customers of the 30-day window before flood insurance takes effect.
While you don’t want to inspire panic in potential customers as a storm is heading into the gulf, late spring and early summer can be a good time to remind people that their flood coverage will not be in effect until 30 days after it is written.