Governor Lamont: "The sudden and severe flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures that we anticipate will need to be closed for an extended period."
On 8/19, Gov. Lamont issued an emergency declaration to help expedite some of the resources needed to respond to the heavy rains, flooding, and damage. This will also help prioritize potential federal resources such as equipment and work crews that can assist state and local crews with repairing infrastructure damage.
[UPDATE, 8/21] Gov. Lamont also requested a federal declaration of emergency to receive assistance from FEMA, which was granted: read the governor’s statement HERE.
As the heavy rains and flooding continue to impact communities across the state, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) Consumer Affairs Division has issued an alert and is providing answers to claim-related questions.
[UPDATE, 8/22] The CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is asking affected businesses to fill out a damage assessment form. This is completely voluntary, but it is information gathering that is needed for the state to help determine possible FEMA and/or SBA assistance.
>>> DEMHS requests that damages from this week’s flooding be reported using this online Residential & Business Damage Assessment Form. It is critical to document all damages with photos before making any repairs. Click here to access the form. <<<
[UPDATE, 8/30] Details for the state’s Emergency Flood Relief Grant, the fleshed out small business flood assistance “micro grants” program that Gov. Lamont announced on 8/26, have been released through DECD’s (Department of Economic Community Development) Flood Recovery Grant Program 2024. This program is primarily to serve as a bridge until the approved federal resources and/or insurance claims process. The SBA and FEMA were reported to be in state this week to begin physical survey of damages.
>>> Applications will open Tuesday, September 3rd, and we urge members to continue to prepare their documents, photos, and loss information. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
>>> Connecticut Emergency Flood Relief Grant FLYER >>> The state will administer the grant program in partnership with the Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council (CTWBDC) and has developed this flood grant page. <<<
____________________________________________________________________________________________
>>> Visit this Connecticut website for additional resources, information, and guidance at www.ct.gov/cid.
For specific inquiries and answers to coverage questions and how to submit a claim, contact CT Consumer Affairs by phone at (860) 297-3900 or via email at [email protected].
Insurance Department Virtual Claims Center
Affected consumers can attend virtually by using this link: CID Virtual Claims Center
NFIB Member Guide to Navigating the Claims Process
Once the storm event has passed and the flood waters have receded, you’ll want to call your insurance company and ask the following questions:
- What types of damage are covered?
- How long will it take to process my claim?
- Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs?
Make temporary repairs.
While it’s OK to take steps to protect your property from further damage, you should hold off on making extensive permanent repairs until the claims adjuster (a person professionally trained to assess the damage) has visited your business and assessed the damages. Make sure you save receipts for what you spend on repairs.
Prepare for the adjuster’s visits.
The more information you have about your damaged property––descriptions of as many items as possible, approximate date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair them––the faster your claim can be settled.
- To substantiate your loss, prepare an inventory of damaged or destroyed items and give a copy to the adjuster, along with copies of any receipts. Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster has visited. You should also consider photographing or videotaping the damage. If your property was destroyed, or you no longer have any records, work from memory.
- Identify structural damage to your business and any supporting structures. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster, such as cracks in the walls and missing roof tiles. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for these inspections.
- Get written bids from licensed contractors. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
- Keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also, keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you and record the names and phone numbers of everyone to whom you speak.
After your claim has been settled and the repair work is underway.
Take the time to re-evaluate your insurance coverage. Was your business adequately insured? Did you have replacement cost coverage for all of your assets? Talk to your insurance agent about possible changes.
