Ala. Ivan Victims Given More Time for Claims from Farmers Insurance Group

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has extended the time for which a customer can make a claim for replacement cost related to Hurricane Ivan by 90 days in the state of Alabama.

Farmers also is teaming up with Service Lane, a referral service for local roofing contractors, to provide much needed help to customers still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.

“Due to the high volume of claims from Hurricane Ivan we wanted to provide our customers some relief and help them find solutions,” said Larry Pratt, Farmers’ Alabama State executive director. “We want our customers to get back where they belong as quickly as possible,” added Pratt.

The current Farmers homeowners policy in Alabama provides 180 days for a customer to make a replacement cost claim. Due to the limited number of contractors available, some customers are reportedly having difficulty completing the work within 180 days. The 90-day extension is automatic for all Hurricane Ivan claims and the customer does not need to call requesting an extension.

Service Lane provides licensed and insured contractors in the State of Alabama who provide a warranty on all work. Once a call is placed to Service Lane, a contractor will usually be on site within 48 hours. Farmers customers are not obligated to use Service Lane — customers can still select the contractor of their choice if they wish.

Farmers customers can contact Service Lane by calling the Farmers National Catastrophe Center at 1-888-344-4343 or customers can contact Service Lane directly by calling customer service at 1-888-600-5744. The Service Lane service center is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.