Wallaces Farmer

COVID-19 may cause delay in response from insurance adjusters.

August 19, 2020

2 Min Read
A John Deere sits under a collapsed building following a derecho storm on Aug. 10, 2020, near Franklin Grove, Illinois. The s
A John Deere sits under a collapsed building near Franklin Grove, Illinois, following a derecho storm on Aug. 10, 2020. The storm moved across the Midwest with wind speeds reaching 100 mph in Iowa and Illinois.Daniel Acker/Stringer/Getty Images News

Businesses and homeowners may have to jump through even more hoops than usual to make insurance claims for damage caused by last week’s derecho.

According to a panel member of insurance executives in a recent webinar on the impact of hurricane season during the pandemic, many of the more seasoned insurance company claims adjusters will not go out into the field for fear of contracting COVID-19.

“This is one of the first large scale insurance events under the new COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. COVID-19 and the associated restrictions appear to be hampering the insurers’ ability to rapidly and properly inspect and adjust claims. A number of policyholders are still waiting for their insurer’s adjuster to visit their property," said Joshua Katz, partner at Weisbrod Matteis & Copley’s Washington, D.C. Office.

Jim Hood, former Mississippi Attorney General and current WMC counsel stated, “After battling the insurance industry after Katrina, I fear that Iowans will be left at the mercy of a B team of insurance adjusters. Storm victims will need to quickly document their damages with drones, pictures and lists of damaged items.”

“Policyholders will likely be required to shoulder a larger responsibility in the investigation of their claim. The policyholder’s ability to document and establish their losses will be critical.” said Katz.

“Given the sheer number and size of claims coupled with the COVID-19 restrictions, policyholders may want to hire technical experts to help them value and document their claims. For example, being able to survey roof damage or crop damage from a drone should expediate the handling of claims.” said Katz.

Source: Weisbrod Matteis & Copley, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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