Insurers Get the Rust Out for Gustav

Learning from lessons taught by Katrina, many insurers were quick to point out some of the measures they are taking in order to react as quickly as possible to the insurance claims from Hurricane Gustav that will begin streaming in during the next several weeks.

Several insurers were prepared to begin handling claims even before Gustav slammed into Louisiana’s coast. For instance, Travelers reported on Sunday that it had mobilized its catastrophe response team, along with five mobile claim headquarters, right before the storm hit. The mobile claim headquarters are custom-built RVs designed to operate as insurance claim offices and are staffed to provide claim services immediately following a disaster, including issuing debit cards for immediate living expenses to policyholders. They also allow customers to file a claim in person, an important aspect to consider in an environment of down power and telephone lines.