Governor Josh Green, M.D.

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR    

KE KIAʻĀINA

 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    

NADINE Y. ANDO

DIRECTOR    

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE    

     

SCOTT K. SAIKI

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

 

RESIDENTS URGED TO FILE ISNURANCE CLAIMS AFTER SEVERE STORMY WEATHER

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2026

 

HONOLULU — Following recent high winds and heavy rain, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division is reminding residents to protect their property and file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible.

 

If your home, vehicle, or personal property has been damaged, contact your insurance company or agent right away to report the loss. Ask for your claim number and confirm any deadlines for filing or submitting documentation. Starting your claim promptly helps ensure your coverage is applied correctly and delays are avoided.

 

Document all damage by taking clear photos or videos. If it is safe to do so, keep damaged items until the insurance adjuster has seen them. You should also take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as placing tarps over roof leaks or boarding broken windows, but avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer has approved them.

 

Keep records of all expenses related to the damage, including temporary repairs, hotel stays, meals and other costs caused by the storm. Save receipts and write down what was damaged, when it occurred and what actions you took to protect your property.

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, be available for inspections and provide any requested documents. Review settlement offers carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

 

To help residents navigate the claims process, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has available a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video on how to file an insurance claim. These resources provide practical tips and step-by-step guidance on documenting losses, understanding coverage and working with insurers after a disaster.

 

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division also reminds residents to review their insurance policies annually and take steps to ensure recovery and insurance claims process easier after the storm passes.

 

One of the most important steps homeowners, renters and condominium unit owners can take is to review their insurance policies to understand what is covered and what is not. Residents should also keep copies of their property, flood and auto insurance policies in a waterproof container, or stored securely in the cloud so they can be easily accessed if a claim must be filed.

 

Consumers are also encouraged to create or update a home inventory before the storm arrives. Taking photos or videos of each room and documenting furniture, appliances, electronics and valuables can help speed up the claims process. Receipts, serial numbers and other records for high-value items should also be saved whenever possible.

 

Residents should also be aware that most standard homeowners, condominium unit-owners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which generally requires a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. To learn more, visit floodsmart.gov or talk with your insurance agent.

 

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division provides several online resources to help consumers better understand their insurance coverage, including My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What? and Annual Review of Your Insurance Policies.

 

Consumers may contact the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins for claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

 

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