Question: Kokua Line has received several questions about condominium insurance after last week’s fire at the Marco Polo high-rise, which killed three people, seriously injured five others and damaged more than a third of the building’s units. Information from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Insurance Division answers some of the questions, as well as providing tips for any condo dweller. It was provided by William Nhieu, a DCCA spokesman.
Answer: In general, a master insurance policy held by a condominium association covers the building structure and common areas, while a personal insurance policy carried by a unit dweller covers walls within a unit, improvements and personal property.
Anyone making a condominium insurance claim should:
>> Check carefully for damage and if possible photograph the damage.
>> Secure your property to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any materials used.
>> Promptly report damage to your insurance company or agent and association.
>> Submit proof of loss forms or other claim forms if requested by your insurance company and/or the association’s insurer.
>> Set damaged items aside for later inspection by the adjuster.
>> Make sure you have a copy of your policy. Request a copy from your insurer if necessary.
>> Review your policy for Loss of Use Provisions for Additional Living Expenses and Fair Rental Value coverages.
>> Don’t begin permanent repairs until damage is inspected by an adjuster or you are told to do so by your insurer.
>> Work with your adjuster and contractor to estimate the cost of repairs.
>> Receive claim check and begin repairs.
>> There may be supplemental payments issued by the insurance company if additional damage is discovered in the course of repairs and as you replace your damaged items.
>> Be careful to avoid scams (verify the reputation of any contractor hired).
>> Do not sign your entire claim check over to a contractor.
>> If damage is extensive and you have a mortgage, your claim check may list you and your lien holder as payees.
>> Contact the Hawaii Insurance Division if you need help or have questions. Call 586-2790 or check online at cca.hawaii.gov/ins/.
Q: Who at DLNR should a member of the public contact about mitigating feral chickens on DLNR land?
A: Complainants may email detailed information to dlnr@hawaii.gov. Be sure to properly identify affected parcels by Tax Map Key parcel number or street address so that jurisdiction can be verified, said Deborah Ward, a spokeswoman for the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Feral animals are controlled on DLNR land if they are a threat to protected resources or are a nuisance to public recreation by area users, she said.
Mahalo
This year marks the 14th anniversary of our son Daniel’s tragic hiking accident at age 19. On July 20, 2003, we had run in the Lanikai Bike Path 8K, and he fell the day after, July 21. Since 2004, we have helped sponsor that race every year in Daniel’s memory, most recently through the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club. This year’s race was last Sunday. We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of aloha from all the runners, 200 this year, waking up before sunrise. Mahalo to the club and runners for your support! We would also like to say a big mahalo to fire rescue captains Courtney Seto, Alan Nitta and Nalu Kokea, who found Daniel’s body in Nuuanu and gave us closure on July 25, 2003. The fire rescue team remembers us every year, definitely above and beyond duty. Mahalo to all the selfless deeds out there. They are very much appreciated. — Respectfully, Joyce and Norm Levey, Hawaii Kai
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
