| For Immediate Release October 28, 2007 |
Contact: Kurt Bardella (202) 225-0508 |
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INSURANCE CONTACT NUMBERS FOR SAN DIEGO WILDFIRE VICTIMS |
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Insurance Contact Numbers for Key information for businesses and homeowners in dealing with losses from this week's wildfires:
Call your insurance company immediately to file a claim. Save receipts for evacuation expenses such as lodging and meals. Most homeowners' policies pay temporary living expenses. If your home is a total loss, living expenses may be covered for a longer period. Review your policy, which typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing a home and its contents. A deductible may apply. Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage and save receipts for reimbursement. Ask what damage is covered, how long it will take to process your claim and whether you need to get your own repair estimates. Make a detailed list of the contents and features of your home, such as electronics and landscaping, and document losses by taking pictures. Beware of contractors who ask for large amounts of money upfront, and check contractor references. Don't rush into repairs. AVOID SCAMS The San Diego Better Business Bureau has information about scams and a list of the bureau's member companies: 24-hour consumer help line, (858) 496-2131; main office, (800) 600-7050; online at sd.bbb.org. The Contractors State License Board has advice and investigates complaints against contractors: (800) 321-2752 or online at cslb.ca.gov. The State Insurance Commission, for advice, checking a company's license status and making a complaint: (800) 927-4357 or online at insurance.ca.gov. The San Diego City Attorney's Office consumer protection line: (619) 533-5600 or online at sandiegocityattorney.org. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 at a fixed rate of 2.937 percent to repair or replace homes not fully covered by insurance or other aid and up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses may borrow up to $1.5 million at a fixed interest rate of 4 percent. Low-interest working capital loans also available for businesses. Applicants must first register as a disaster victim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Information will be automatically forwarded to the SBA or contact the agency directly by calling (800) 659-2955 or visiting one of four local assistance centers: Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon; Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook; Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road, Ramona; or Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego. FEMA FEMA provides money for temporary housing and for repair and replacement of damaged homes. To apply: (800) 621-3362 or online at fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm. STATE The state's Small Business Disaster Loan Guarantee Program will leverage $500,000 to guarantee up to $7 million in loans to small businesses affected by the Southern California fires. For more, contact the Financial Development Corporation: (619) 232-7771 or online at casouth.com. (####) |
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