Insurance adjusters get help

Friday, July 9, 1999 | 11:23 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- State Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman Thursday gave temporary approval to out-of-state adjusters to handle claims in Clark County from people who suffered damage caused by Thursday's storm.

Molasky-Arman said this will help insurance companies in expediting claims and assessing the amount of damages. Under normal circumstances, only adjusters licensed in Nevada could handle claims. But the law allows the commissioner to waive the rule during disasters.

Flood and wind damage to an automobile is usually covered if the owner has comprehensive coverage. Molasky-Arman said, however, that in most cases homeowners' policies offer coverage for wind and rain damage to the dwelling. But damage by flooding from surface water is generally excluded.

The commissioner said coverage may be provided with a flood policy, which is separate from the homeowners' policy. Generally speaking, she said, only those people living in designated flood plains have these policies. It is usually a requirement of the mortgage company for those living in flood plains.

Most homeowners, she said, do not have adequate insurance coverage to protect them against flooding and may risk large financial losses when a flood occurs.

Flood protection is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If a person has a policy through this agency, he or she must file a claim through their insurance agent.

Many mobile home policies, she said, cover flood damage regardless of whether there is a separate flood policy.

Molasky-Arman said there may be a few days before a person hears from an adjuster because of the expected large number of claims.

Consumers who need more insurance information should contact the state agency at 486-4009 in Las Vegas or 687-4270 in Carson City or by calling the state's toll free number 1-800-992-0900, extension 4009.