Prepare for Kona Storm: Insurance Tips for Hawaii Residents

As a significant Kona storm approaches Hawaii, the state's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division urges residents to carefully examine their insurance coverage. With potential heavy rainfall and flooding in the forecast, understanding policy specifics, including damage coverage, is essential. Residents are advised to review homeowners, renters, and condominium insurance documents to ensure comprehensive protection.

The division emphasizes the importance of maintaining insurance documents in a waterproof location or secure digital storage to facilitate claims processing after the storm. Creating or updating a home inventory, documenting possessions with photographs or videos, and keeping receipts and serial numbers for high-value items are strongly recommended. This proactive approach can streamline the claims handling process.

Flood damage is typically not covered under standard homeowners or rental insurance policies. To secure flood protection, residents should consider separate coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which requires a standard 30-day waiting period for activation. More information is available at floodsmart.gov or by consulting with an insurance professional.

“This is not our first storm of the year and it won’t be the last. Preparing now will set you up for the future,” said Insurance Commissioner Scott K. Saiki. He assured residents that the insurance division is available to assist with policy or settlement inquiries. For additional guidance, residents can contact the DCCA Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit their website at cca.hawaii.gov/ins. The division also offers educational resources, such as "My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What?" and "Annual Review of Your Insurance Policies," to enhance consumer understanding of coverage options.