RegAlert2026-03-21
Added · Updated
Hawaii DCCA Post-Disaster Claims Guide
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division issues this guide to help policyholders navigate the insurance claims process following natural disasters. It outlines critical steps for securing property, reporting damage, and understanding coverage types such as Additional Living Expenses and the roles of various insurance adjusters. The document also details settlement procedures, dispute resolution methods like appraisal and arbitration, and provides resources for consumers facing denied claims or contractor fraud.
DFI published 2 documents in the last 30 days — get each new one by email the day it lands.
Post-Disaster
Claims Guide
Hawaii Department of Commerce and
Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division
P.O. Box 3614
Honolulu, HI 96811-3614
808.586.2790
Post-Disaster Claims Guide 2
Learn more in the sections described below.
SAFE AND SOUND
After a disaster hits, make sure you and your family are safe. Then secure your belongings. Do what you can to secure your home and property to prevent more damage or theft. For example, if windows are broken, board them up. If the roof has a few holes, cover it with a tarp to prevent water damage. REPORT A CLAIM Once you’ve determined your home is damaged and needs to be repaired or rebuilt, report or file a claim as soon as possible. The easiest way to report a claim is to call your insurance company or agent. You may be able to report or file a claim online or from your cell phone. If you have trouble finding a phone number, try searching for your insurance company online. ESTIMATE DAMAGE An insurance adjuster will figure out how much damage was done to your home and property. The adjuster will ask you for a home inventory (a list of your personal property) if your personal belongings were damaged or destroyed. The adjuster will visit your home to inspect and estimate the damage done. In this section, you can learn about the different types of adjusters who may work on your claim and what you should do to prepare to meet the adjuster. DETERMINE COVERAGE Once the adjuster has figured out how much it will cost to rebuild, repair or replace your home or property, the adjuster will review your policy to calculate how much the insurance company will pay. If you’ve never filed a claim before, this process can seem overwhelming. But you can read this section to learn how claim payments are calculated and how your coverage will impact what your insurance company pays. You can learn the meaning of some of the words insurance companies use. REBUILD, REPAIR AND REPLACE Your recovery from a disaster is not complete until you’re living back in your home. During the recovery phase, you’ll be replacing personal items (if damaged), choosing building materials and working with contractors. Read this section to find tips about working with contractors and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. PREPARE It may sound strange, but the recovery process is the best time to start preparing for the next disaster or claim. Create a home inventory list as you’re replacing your belongings. Also as you’re rebuilding, consider using building materials that will resist damage – so if there’s another disaster, your home may have less damage. For example, you could use impact-resistant shingles or impact-resistant siding. There’s Been a Disaster—What Should I Do Now?
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Source: Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works