As Fires Rage and Hurricanes Threaten Both Coasts, America's Top Insurance Lawyer...

As Fires Rage and Hurricanes Threaten Both Coasts, America's Top Insurance
Lawyer Says, Be Prepared

ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Fire and hurricane season are
occurring simultaneously this year as fires rage through California and
hurricanes are churning on North American coasts.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070717/NYFNSC02)

In a fire, people have little time to evacuate and many items get left behind,
some items are lost forever. With radar and technological advances,
hurricanes paths can be predicted better than any fire, but can also result in
devastating disaster for homeowners.

"Whatever the disaster, you need to have an emergency action plan, as your
safety and that of your family are a priority," says Frank N. Darras,
America's top insurance lawyer.

Action to take now, before any disaster strikes:

-- Make sure you have several copies of video footage and photos of your
property.
-- Have an updated inventory list of personal property.
-- Make copies of your insurance policies.
-- Take one set of copies and videos/photos and store in a location you
can
access that is not in your home, or mail to a trusted friend or
relative
to secure and have available to you afterwards.

-- Know the name of your insurance company, their phone number and your
policy number.

Always make sure you are organized and have accurate details in a location you
can access. Take detailed notes and keep records of every conversation with
your insurance company.

Once the claims process begins, you will be asked to produce a variety of
records, everything from video tapes to living expenses if you cannot live in
your home due to the damage.

-- Take account of your loss and separate the damaged from the undamaged
personal property.
-- Provide the insurance adjuster with photos or videotape of the loss
site
prior to the event.
-- If necessary, have a qualified contractor make temporary repairs to
prevent additional loss. Be sure to obtain a bill or invoice for this
service.
-- If your home is unlivable, check your policy to determine if you have
Additional Living Expenses coverage.
-- Document your living expenses by saving all your receipts while your
home is unlivable.

-- Discontinue service with utility companies if your home is unlivable
or
destroyed.

No one can prepare for the emotional toll a disaster takes on a family. By
preparing in advance and making smart choices before a disaster strikes,
families can protect their financial health. Having a good policy with a
company with stellar claims paying practices is tantamount.

"Never buy from a company you don't recognize! Paying really cheap premiums to
a company that low balls the market is a destination to Disasterville," says
Darras.

For more information see http://www.darrasnews.com/ or call 800-458-4577.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Frank N. Darras
http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=39767

CONTACT: Robin Nolan, +1-650-279-9512, robin@mcdavidpr.com

SOURCE Frank N. Darras

Robin Nolan, +1-650-279-9512, robin@mcdavidpr.com, for Frank N. Darras