Mobile Claim Offices dispatched to hardest hit areas
HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
In the wake of the tornadoes and severe weather that ravaged parts of
Missouri, Minnesota and Kansas, Travelers has mobilized its Catastrophe
Response Team to provide residents with insurance
claim support. The company has stationed fully functional Mobile
Claim Offices in Joplin, Mo., Minneapolis, Minn., and Topeka, Kan.,
as a resource for customers who need assistance. Travelers claim
professionals provide guidance on the claims process and deliver advance
payments to assist with basic needs for those customers who suffered
severe damage as a result of a covered loss. Customers are welcome to
visit a Mobile Claim Office to start a claim, learn about next steps or
access third-party disaster resources from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. local time.
Updated locations of the Mobile Claim Offices can be found on Travelers.com.
“The onslaught of tornadoes and other storms across the country have had
a devastating impact on many communities,” said Patrick Gee, Senior Vice
President, Claim for Travelers. “We want people to know that Travelers
resources are available to help them begin the recovery process. We are
focused on helping individuals, families and businesses obtain the
services and support they need during this critical time.”
If a home or business has sustained damage as a result of the recent
storms, individuals should make sure everyone is safe, report the claim,
and then take the necessary steps to prevent further damage if it is
possible to do so safely. Travelers claims can be reported by calling
the numbers below, visiting a Mobile Claim Office, or reporting it
online as follows:
For helpful information about what
to do after experiencing property damage or to find updated
locations of the Mobile
Claim Offices, visit Travelers.com
or follow updates on the Travelers Facebook
and Twitter
pages.
The latest tornadoes in the Midwest follow a series of tornadoes that
swept across six southern states in April. With more than 400 deaths
this year in the United States, 2011 marks the deadliest year for
tornadoes since 1953, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
Travelers staff at its National Catastrophe Center in Bloomfield, Conn.,
is also keeping a close watch on the recent hurricane season forecast.
According to a report issued by NOAA late last week, the Atlantic basin
is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year. For the
six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting 12
to 18 named storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes.
“We encourage residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to be
vigilant about protecting themselves and their property during the
upcoming hurricane season,” added Gee. “Advance planning and preparation
will go a long way in keeping you, your family, your home and your
business safe.”
The following safety
measures can be taken in advance of a hurricane:
- Keep all windows and doors closed and tightly secured – The
normal leakage of air around windows and doors tends to keep the air
the pressure inside a home slightly lower than the atmospheric
pressure caused by the storm outside so there is no need to leave
doors or windows open.
- Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass – It
is critical to protect windows and doors on all sides of the home, and
the key is keeping all wind and water out with proper protection.
- Stay away from windows – Never lean or push against a window or
door that is being blown inward by wind pressure. Also, stay away from
all windows during a severe storm.
For more tips, please visit the Travelers disaster
safety site.
Background on Mobile Claim Offices
These
first-in-the-industry vehicles were developed as a result of lessons
learned from Hurricane Andrew, which devastated parts of Florida in
1992. They are staffed by catastrophe response team members and equipped
with everything required to process claims in the midst of a disaster,
such as onboard computers and databases, printers, photocopiers, cell
phones, and fax machines. Each vehicle has its own generator, so they
can operate in places without electricity and can process claims through
wireless or satellite connectivity if land lines are not available.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV)
is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through
independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines
offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto,
home
and business
settings. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has
more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $25
billion in 2010. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Contact:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Matt Bordonaro, 860-277-7014