Industry Opens Hurricane Insurance Information Center

In the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. insurance industry has established the Hurricane Insurance Information Center (HIIC) in Jackson, Mississippi. Additional centers will be opened in other Gulf Coast locations as conditions permit.

The HIIC will act as a primary source of insurance information to the media and conduct an active consumer outreach program in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

A Web site ( http://www.disasterinformation.org ) will offer claim filing tips, provide general information on insurance coverages and refer people to insurers, government agencies, and other sources of assistance.

“The insurance industry’s overriding priority is helping the people of the Gulf Coast to recover from this devastating event,” said Gordon Stewart, president of the Insurance Information Institute, which is establishing the Center on behalf of the insurance industry.

The insurance industry has created similar disaster insurance information offices following major catastrophes, including Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City and last year’s Florida hurricanes. The disaster offices provided insurance information to thousands of displaced homeowners and businesses in restoring communities.

The Hurricane Insurance Information Center will be located at the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi, 124 Riverview Drive, Flowood, Miss. 39232. The telephone number is 1-800-942-4242.

Companies and associations supporting the HIIC include:

ACE USA
Alabama Independent Insurance Agents
Allstate Insurance
American Insurance Association
American International Group
Atlantic Mutual
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
CNA
Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers
Farmers Group Inc.
Florida Association of Insurance Agents
Florida Insurance Council
GEICO
The Hartford
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of LA
Independent Insurance Agents of MS
Institute for Business & Home Safety
Insurance Information Institute
Liberty Mutual
Lloyd’s America
MetLife Auto & Home
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
National Insurance Crime Bureau
Nationwide
Professional Insurance Agents of LA
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Republic Insurance Company
Safeco
St. Paul Travelers
State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Co.
Swiss Re
USAA.