ALDOI READY TO ASSIST CONSUMERS WITH HURRICANE ISAIAS MATTERS
(334) 269-3550
10/9/2026
The Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) is prepared and ready to assist Alabamians with insurance needs related to Hurricane Isaias. In the aftermath of the storm, the ALDOI will be in regular communications with property and casualty insurance companies operating in Alabama, assessing the damage reports and ensuring that Alabama insurance consumers are being treated fairly and claims are being handled timely.
Property loss prediction models are indicating that this storm could be a $500 million to $2 billion loss event. The same models are showing that, if Hurricane Isaias continues along its current path and intensity, Alabamians could make up as much as 21% of that loss.
Need assistance? Call us.
If you experience damage from Hurricane Isaias, your first call should be to your agent. However, if you need assistance from the Insurance Department, the ALDOI’s Consumer Services division is here to help with insurance questions, concerns, and complaints. If you need assistance, call our Consumer Services Division at (334) 241-4141 or (800) 433-3966 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit our live chat at www.aldoi.gov.
The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is working with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and deputies will be stationed across Alabama to assist as needed.
Fortified Homes
Alabama is home to more than 68,000 IBHS Fortified designations within ten miles of the Alabama coast.
While Fortified homes provide robust protection against windstorms, some homes may lose some of its roof covering in the wake of Hurricane Isaias.
If you own a Fortified home and sustain damage, repairs must be performed by a certified Fortified roofer. All repairs to Fortified systems must be documented or the designation may not be renewed. Contact a Fortified evaluator before making repairs.
Filing a claim
Navigating the insurance claims process is critical to getting the money you're owed if you experience a loss. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers these tips for handling a claim following a disaster.
· Immediately after the disaster
Your first instinct may be to clean up, but it's important to have an accurate account of all damage for your insurance company when you file a claim. Before removing any debris or belongings, document all losses. Take photos or video and make a list of the damages and lost items. If possible, save damaged items so your insurer can inspect, if necessary.
After thoroughly documenting damage, take reasonable steps to avoid further destruction to your home or belongings.
Policies call this mitigation. Make temporary repairs, such as covering a hole in your roof or boarding up broken windows. Insurance will typically reimburse the cost of these repairs as part of your claim, assuming the loss was covered. Your insurance company may also reimburse you if you need to find temporary lodging or storage for your possessions. Keep a record of all receipts.
· Starting your claim
Most insurance companies have a time requirement for reporting a claim, so contact your agent or company as soon as possible. Insurers often send response teams to disaster areas. Company officials can help you determine what damages are covered, start your claim and even issue a check to start the recovery process.
When reporting losses, you'll need insurance information, current contact information and a home inventory or list of damaged and lost property. If you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of lost items, going room by room, including as much detail as possible. If your car sustained damage while in your garage/carport, it is covered by your auto insurance, not homeowners. If you have different home and auto insurance providers, you will need to report a claim with both companies.
· The claims process
After you report damage to your insurer, they will send a claims adjuster to assess the damage at no cost to you. An adjuster will walk through your home to inspect damaged items and temporary repairs. They may look at the outside of your home, your roof or your basement.
Once the adjuster has completed their assessment, they will provide documentation of the loss to your insurer to determine your claims settlement. When it comes to getting paid, you may receive more than one check. The first may be an emergency advance. Other payments will be for the contents of your home and other personal property. Please note that if there is a mortgage on your home, the payment for structural damage may be payable to you and your mortgage lender. Lenders may put that money into an escrow account and pay for repairs as the work is completed.
· Be alert for fraud
Home repair fraud is common after a natural disaster. Contractors often come into disaster-struck regions looking to make quick money by taking advantage of victims. Be wary of aggressive contractors and demands for up-front repair payment. Do not feel pressured by any contractor or rushed to sign a contract. Never pay cash or write a check before services are rendered. Pay in installments and wait until the repair work is complete to issue final payment.
It's a good idea to do business with local or trusted companies. Ask friends and family for references. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure contactors are licensed in your state. Your insurer may also have recommendations. Always get more than one bid on work projects. Your adjuster may want to review estimates before you make repairs.
Fraud related to vehicles damaged by flooding can be common after a disaster as well. Flood damaged vehicles can be fixed and sold as used vehicles to unsuspecting consumers. Before buying a used car, run the vehicle identification number to check for prior damage and repairs to the vehicle before purchasing.
In the aftermath of the storm, representatives of the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s office, a part of the Department of Insurance, will be in both Mobile and Baldwin counties assessing the damage and working alongside the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board to make sure that those offering roofing and construction services are properly licensed and qualified to do the work. If any consumer suspects fraud, they should call the State Fire Marshal’s office at (334) 241-4166 or check them out on the web at www.firemarshal.alabama.gov.
Again, if you experience damage from Hurricane Isaias, call your agent. Your agent will be able to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you file your claim. However, if you need us at the Department of Insurance, our Consumer Services Division stands ready to help. Give them a call at (334) 241-4141 or (800) 433-3966 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit our live chat at www.aldoi.gov.
For more information, please check out the Department’s website at www.aldoi.gov.
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