Nationwide Prepares for Hurricane Frances

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. announced that it has claim representatives and agents prepared to assist customers following Hurricane Frances.

As weather alerts track the storm patterns, Nationwide has people and resources in place to respond quickly to customers’ needs.

“Claims specialists will be positioned in hotels outside of the storm’s path and ready to be deployed,” said Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations. “We are preparing so that immediately following the event we can have claims specialists in place to support policyholders.”

Call centers are prepared to receive and handle claims from customers and pallets of supplies are ready for distribution to temporary storm centers once the locations are confirmed. Policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at (800) 421-3535 or contact their local agent.

Currently, Nationwide has suspended new business underwriting in Florida. Those with a pending renewal are still able to maintain coverage.

Policyholders, however, will not be able to improve upon their existing policy until the suspension has been lifted. The suspension applies to physical damage coverage for auto, homeowners, commercial and other Nationwide products (i.e., boiler & machinery coverage, inland marine, and boat coverage.)

In Florida, Nationwide insures 301,260 homes (fifth largest statewide*) and 304,917 vehicles (sixth largest statewide*).

Policyholders in the expected path can take the following steps now to help expedite a possible claim:

— Read and understand your insurance policy, especially disclosures.
— Make sure important documents, such as insurance policies or mortgage papers, are stored in a safe deposit or fire safe box.
— Inventory valuables and contents in the home with photographs or video. Note the approximate value of each item and the date of purchase. You can also send an inventory to a family member outside your region for safekeeping.