Jeff Nicholl, a claims supervisor with Wright Flood

MIAMI—With thousands looking to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey and thousands more still without power in the wake of Hurricane Irma, it's a strategic time to understand how technology can help streamline the insurance claims process. GlobeSt.com caught up with Jeff Nicholl, a claims supervisor with Wright Flood, to get some insights in part one of this exclusive interview.

GlobeSt.com: How does technology help claimants navigate the insurance claims process after a hurricane, even if they don't have power or access to a computer?

Nicholl: A claimant's smart phone can be a powerful tool to help start and streamline the claims process after a natural disaster that leaves people without power or computer access.

Using smart phone features to visually document property damage through videos, pictures, et cetera, is now commonplace and allows customers to electronically transfer documentation to the adjuster—or directly to the claim file—with minimal effort. Additionally, apps make it easy to organize receipts for cleanup expenses, which can later be submitted as part of the claim. While technology can help speed up the process and facilitate recordkeeping for the claimant, it is still important that the insured retain the damaged items for the adjuster to physically view upon inspection of the property, including damaged carpeting, padding and portions of drywall with actual water lines shown.

Another powerful resource to consider when power, communication and data channels are compromised is text messaging. Texting utilizes the least amount of resources and is often possible when cell phone communication is not. With this in mind, Wright Flood developed automated claim text message capabilities, which claimants have readily embraced. Opening a claim by text automatically initiates a claim assignment to an adjuster and begins the claims process while sending the claimant a return text with direction to begin their recovery.

These text message capabilities were recently enhanced to include claim status by text message, which confirms the claim is open and relays real- time information about the claim check status. Texting also provides a channel for claimants and adjusters to set appointments and relay documents electronically. Once a claim is resolved, technology also allows claimants to receive their claim documents electronically and keep them available in the cloud to use should they need to file another flood claim in the future.

(There are legal issues involved in filing insurance claims of which you may not be aware. Find out what you must know now to avoid felonies.)

GlobeSt.com: What is the difference between flood insurance and homeowners' coverage?

Nicholl: While home insurance may cover properties for multiple perils and extend coverage beyond the building and contents—sometimes including additional living expenses as an additional coverage—flood insurance focuses on one thing and one thing only, damage caused by flood loss.

A flood loss is described as water damage to a structure due to surface waters either by rising water and/or wave action from an event affecting one or more properties or more than two acres of normally dry land. Because of the devastating effect of flood waters, federal lending regulations require properties identified in high-risk flood zones be covered by flood insurance for a federally backed mortgage to be extended. Where homeowner's insurance is state regulated and underwritten by private insurance carriers, flood insurance in the U.S. is mostly offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for buildings in more than 2,200 participating communities across the US. The NFIP covers direct physical damage by flood to a building and/or personal property—AKA contents below the flood water line.

Want more on the insurance front? Check out: After Irma, When Will Insurers Pay Your Claims?

GlobeSt.com: How does technology help claimants navigate the insurance claims process after a hurricane, even if they don't have power or access to a computer?

Nicholl: A claimant's smart phone can be a powerful tool to help start and streamline the claims process after a natural disaster that leaves people without power or computer access.

(There are legal issues involved in filing insurance claims of which you may not be aware. Find out what you must know now to avoid felonies.)

GlobeSt.com: What is the difference between flood insurance and homeowners' coverage?

Want more on the insurance front? Check out: After Irma, When Will Insurers Pay Your Claims?

Instant Insights /

How Technology Is Streamlining Hurricane Insurance Claims

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