Customers urged to take precautions, get familiar with claims process

Montgomery, Ala. (Aug. 29, 2008) — With the potential for a major hurricane brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, Alfa Insurance is gearing up to handle potential claims and is advising policyholders of what they can do to minimize the threat to their lives and property.

Alfa has put its claims adjusters on standby across the Southeast and is prepared to relocate additional personnel to affected areas if needed. In addition, Alfa is the only insurance company with service centers in all 67 Alabama counties. Alfa also has supplies on hand to get storm centers up and running, should they be damaged or lose power. Additionally, there are two mobile response centers ready for deployment if needed. These provide claims service and on-the-spot customer service in areas hardest hit by the storm.

Alfa’s toll-free telephone number gives customers a quick way to report a claim to the company 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-964-2532. To help expedite their claim, customers should have their policy numbers ready.

Alfa has activated its Severe Storm Center page on www.alfains.com. This comprehensive site provides useful information about preparing for hurricanes and other weather-related disasters. There are links to emergency resources and a section for storm-related news releases should they be necessary. This section of the website will help policyholders protect their lives and property now and expedite claims following the storm.

Policyholders should first make sure their families are safe because property can be replaced; lives can’t. Once it’s safe to return to a storm-damaged area, policyholders should take any steps necessary to prevent further damage and then contact their local Alfa service center to file a claim. Other tips for policyholders include:

• Discuss hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Put together a survival kit that includes the following: radio with fresh batteries (NOAA weather radios are recommended), flashlight with fresh batteries, extra batteries, first aid kit, prescriptions and medications, fire extinguisher, drinking water, bathing water, non perishable food and a can opener. Fill up the tanks of each vehicle with fuel.
• Gather insurance policies on all of your property and vehicles. Remember that flooding is not covered under standard homeowner policies and is written through the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Write down the name, address and telephone number for all of your insurance carriers including your Alfa service center/agent.
• Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation, including photos. This will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property. Keep this information, along with a copy of your policy, in a safe place and make sure you have access to it if you are forced to evacuate your home.

Alfa and its affiliates provide insurance and other financial services to more than 1 million customers in 13 states. See www.alfains.com for details.