Claims adjusters, insurers ramp up resources for Hurricane Sandy

Several independent claims services and restoration companies are ramping up their resources for the inevitable losses to occur from Hurricane Sandy in the eastern United States and Canada.

Crawford and Company Canada has said its adjusters in southern Ontario, southern Quebec and Atlantic Canada are ready to assist with claims. “The adjusters we have in these regions are highly experienced, knowledgeable and prepared to act quickly in times such as these,” the company’s CEO John Sharoun said in a statement. “We will manage the events out of our regional branch offices and will deploy additional adjusters to specific areas if necessary.”

Claims services company Cunningham Lindsey Canada has also initiated its Catastrophe Response Plan in preparation for the storm.

“As has been widely reported, Hurricane Sandy is one of the largest reaching hurricane’s in history, significantly impacting many regions of Canada including Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces,” the company’s vice-president of national operations, Mike Morris, noted in a statement.

“With flooding and wind damage expected to be so widespread, we have allocated vast claims adjusting resources to assist with the influx of claims. Furthermore, our call centre has ramped up staffing to ensure swift response to the anticipated high volumes of new loss reporting.”

Independent adjusting and claims management firm ClaimsPro, has mobilized its Emergency Response Teams in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada in anticipation of the massive storm. According to a statement from the company, the firm’s Emergency Response Teams will be on standby for the duration of the storm to help clients deal with any losses sustained as a result of the severe winds and heavy precipitation that are anticipated to hit the regions.

“With big storms like this hit we mobilize our regional adjusting teams and utilize out-of-province resources when necessary,” Paul Feron, the company’s operational lead for Ontario, said in a statement. 

Granite Claims Solutions also has its Catastrophe Adjusting Team on 24-hour standby to handle any surge in claims volume from the storm. The company has a National Catastrophe team, as well as a network of property adjusters throughout Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada ready to respond. 

Several claims adjusters and insurers also have active 24/7 emergency response call centres and e-mail response available. 

Catastrophe modeler EQECAT estimate Monday that insured losses from Hurricane Sandy could reach $10 billion.

Eastern Canada, including south-central Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, will feel the impact of the storm through Monday night, including intense winds and rainfall. Risks from the storm in Canada include broken tree limbs from wind, along with potential flooding from drainage systems blocked by leaves.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has also published emergency preparedness tips for hurricanes, including these:

• Check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage
• Remove valuable items from your basement to higher levels in your home
• Make sure downspouts are clear to direct water away from the home
• Secure any loose patio furniture or barbecues
• Ensure water does not collect on your window sills
• Prepare a detailed home inventory;
• Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family

Image: An example of major inland flooding. (Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)