What steps should I take immediately following a catastrophe?
What if my home is unlivable?
What information should I have when I call to report my claim?
When will someone call me back to set up an appointment?
How long will the catastrophe claim process take?
What is a hurricane windstorm deductible? When does it apply?
What is the definition of a "hurricane windstorm"?
How will you contact me during the claim process?
Will you recommend contractors for catastrophe claim repairs?
How do I choose a reputable contractor following a catastrophe?
What if my contractor’s estimate is higher than MetLife Auto & Home's estimate?
What if additional damages are found during the repair process?
When will I receive a settlement check?
What steps should I take immediately following a catastrophe?
• To the best of your ability, protect yourself and your property (home and auto) from further damage.
• Report your loss to your agent or call our claim service team at 1-800-854-6011. We have also created alternative options for customers to report a claim including:
Fax: (866) 743-1546 Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com
• Customers who sustain damage from flooding and have flood insurance can report their losses by calling 1-800-759-8656.
• Make temporary repairs to your property immediately. For example, you may need to patch walls and roofs or cover shattered windows with plywood and/or heavy-duty plastic.
• Save the receipts associated with any emergency repairs. If you need to hire a local, reputable contractor to repair temporary damages that you can't handle, make certain you keep the written invoice.
• Put together a room-by-room, written inventory of the damaged property, including the description, original cost, and approximate age of each item.
Back to top
What if my home is unlivable?
Your policy may provide for Additional Living Expenses in the event that your home is unlivable. Please refer to your policy for details, or call our Claim Department.
Back to top
What information should I have when I call to report my claim?
If possible, have your policy in hand so that you can give us the name of the primary policyholder and the policy number. If your policy is unavailable, our representatives will work with you to find your policy information.
Back to top
When will someone call me back to set up an inspection appointment?
We’re committed to contacting you as quickly as possible once you've reported your catastrophe loss to us. Unfortunately, in a catastrophe hundreds or even thousands of customers may be affected all at once; the length of the process depends on the severity of the disaster. We’re obligated to assist those customers with the most extensive damage first, but our goal is to inspect your property as quickly as possible from the time you first contact us.
Back to top
How long will the catastrophe claim process take?
Once your area is accessible, our catastrophe claim adjusters will be on the ground as soon as possible. We’ll provide additional staff when needed to handle a large volume of claims. Please be patient while we assist your neighbors with the worst damage first.
Back to top
What is a hurricane windstorm deductible, and when does that apply?
The hurricane windstorm deductible is the deductible amount an insured is responsible for in the event of a loss due to a hurricane. The amount of the hurricane deductible varies; you can find your deductible amount on your policy's Declarations Page.
Back to top
What is the definition of a "hurricane windstorm"?
A hurricane windstorm is a storm system for which either a hurricane watch or a hurricane warning has been declared by the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service or any agency responsible for identifying and recording hurricanes.
Back to top
How will you contact me during the claim process?
We understand that after a catastrophe, you may be in temporary living situations, such as shelters or relatives' homes. To ensure that the claim process can proceed as quickly as possible, when you initially call to report the claim, make sure that you provide us with your email addresses, cell phone numbers, and/or other temporary phone numbers.
Back to top
Will you recommend contractors for catastrophe claim repairs?
Because contractors often hire temporary help during a disaster to help with the large volume of repairs, we can't recommend contractors as we do in everyday claim situations.
Back to top
How do I choose a reputable contractor following a catastrophe?
• Ask family and friends to recommend local contractors that have performed satisfactory work for them.
• Ask all contractors for local references, and then check them.
• Check a contractor’s work history with your local Better Business Bureau
• Make sure the contractor is appropriately licensed in your area.
• Ask how many years the contractor has been in business.
• Verify that the contractor carries liability and workers compensation insurance by asking for a current copy of the business' certificate of insurance.
• If the contractor is pressuring you, look for another contractor.
• Require a written contract and do not sign it until you fully understand the terms.
• Discuss payment terms with your contractor before signing any contracts.
• Due to the increased demand for contractors following a catastrophe, we recommend that you get several estimates to ensure that you are paying a fair price for repairs.
Back to top
What if my contractor’s estimate is higher than MetLife Auto & Home's estimate?
You should give your contractor a copy of the damage estimate you received from your claim adjuster. If your contractor’s estimate differs from our estimate, have your contractor call your adjuster directly. If the additional repairs are covered by your policy and deemed appropriate, your adjuster will work with your contractor to resolve any differences and make adjustments to the original estimate.
Your repair estimate will be prepared using market prices for labor and materials in your area. However, if you select a contractor whose charges exceed your local market prices, you may be responsible for the additional charges.
Back to top
What if additional damages are found during the repair process?
At the first inspection, your adjuster will estimate the amount of visible damage. But we realize that additional or hidden damage may be found during the repair process -- and we intend to do the right thing for you. So if additional damage is discovered, contact your claim adjuster immediately. We may reinspect your property or speak to your contractor, and if necessary and appropriate, we'll issue you a second check.
Back to top
When will I receive a settlement check?
You will receive your settlement check as soon as the adjuster has completed the comprehensive damage estimate and it is routed through our review process. Generally speaking, a copy of the estimate and any payments will be mailed to your residence ten to fourteen days following the adjuster's site inspection. Our goal is to provide you with the funds you'll need to begin the repair process on a covered loss as quickly as possible.
Back to top
