Insurance companies brace for risk of more claims with Michael

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Insurance claims are adding up across North Carolina as homeowners work to repair their home from Florence’s damage.

Insurance agencies like Don Bullard Insurance agency are hard at work. The agency has an estimated 4,400 claims related to flooding and roof damage, thus far, extending from Calabash to New Bern. As Hurricane Michael may soon impact the area, Bullard says the number of claims at his agency may rise.

“Unfortunately,if there is additional damage, they would come under a separate claim,” said Don Bullard, President of Don Bullard Insurance. “It would be handled separately and you would have a separate deductible. We had this come up with Hurricane Bertha and Fran in 96′. Bertha hit in July and then 6 weeks later Fran hit and it was 2 separate claims so it was two separate deductibles.”

Bullard said the advancement of technology was very effective in helping the insurance company work with customers without being in the office. The agents were able to still work directly with customers despite the  limited access to the office space.

The agency is working to effectively help all customers. Bullard encourages residents to be proactive by letting contractors assess property prior to adjusters and taking extensive pictures of damage.