After a disaster, United Policyholders is always a good resource to review for policyholders and family members of those with a home or business affected by the hurricane. This non-profit organization has many programs and services that may guide you in the aftermath of a storm when stress levels are high, and you have many questions.
Chip Merlin has explained that those who have a suffered loss “should make themselves knowledgeable and keep a skeptical eye open.”
Amy Bach, the founder of United Policyholders is a dedicated advocate for insureds and has built a platform and team that has been making a difference since 1991.
You can read other Merlin Law Group posts about UP and Amy Bach here:
- Amy Bach Honored by the Florida Association for Insurance Reform
- Amy Bach and United Policyholders Supports Mississippi Insurance Protections
Today, I wanted to highlight two resources available from UP.
In a nutshell, Roadmap to Recovery provides tools and resources for solving insurance problems and breaks down the process so you can understand it better. This is not a substitute for hiring a public insurance adjuster, an advocate who is licensed by your state and experienced in claim presentation, your insurance coverage and ways for claim resolution. Roadmap to Recovery does guide you to keep a diary of all the details of the claim (a written log of contacts, progress, problems, etc.).
Another tool is the handbook and household inventory guide.
You can order a single copy of the Disaster Recovery Handbook here: (click here to order online).
Note: The UP Home Inventory Spreadsheet is only available for download.
The second program that is very helpful to insureds is United Policyholders Disaster Survivor Support Network, (“DSSN”), a corps of 150 volunteers with personal experience recovering from a disaster. DSSN mentors offer a listening ear, confidential emotional support, insurance and rebuilding tips.1
United Policyholder needs donations to be able to offer these services and guides, so it can continue to be a voice on behalf of insureds with their Advocacy and Action Program. Sending even a small donation can make a big difference in this time of need.
Here is the link to donate: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1437516
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1 For a list of and contact info for available DSSN recovery mentors, please email your request to info@uphelp.org and put “DSSN” in the subject line.