If you have been impacted by the rivers of lava that destroyed hundreds homes on Hawaii’s Big Island, United Policyholders is here to help. Through our Roadmap to Recovery program you will find tips, tools and resources for navigating an insurance claim and collecting all benefits owed.  In addition to the live workshops and volunteer attorney trainings we’ve provided in the Puna area to date, we will be continuing to add tips and info to this library, work with our local partners and answer consumer questions.

Our main focus is on helping you navigate your insurance claim toward a full, fair and prompt settlement.  We also offer guidance on debris removal, temporary living arrangements, government aid, construction issues, hiring professional help, and deciding how and if you will repair, rebuild or buy a replacement home.

Getting organized and oriented:

Here are some items to get you started putting one foot in front of the other on the road to recovery:

• Top Ten Insurance Claim Tips
• Sample Letter Requesting Copy of Policy
• Simplified Guide to Your Homeowners Guide
• ALE/Loss of Use: What expenses can you claim on your homeowner’s policy?
• Sample Letter Requesting Information About Insurance Benefits for Temporary Living Expenses (“ALE” or “Loss of Use”)
• General Claim Tips
• Speak UP: Tips for Communicating with your Insurance Company
• Claim Guidance Library

Additional Information and Related Articles:

• Insurance coverage for lava flow and volcanic activity
• Haysmer v. Lloyds Complaint (lawsuit)
• Lawsuits filed against Lloyds and insurance agency by lava impacted homeowners 
• Volcano Watch: Many forms of sulphur are found on Kilauea volcano
• UP Blog: EQ causes lava eruption emergency 
• Hawaii Division on Insurance: Insurance coverage for home repairs due to lava damage
• New York Times: Homeowners Scramble as Hawaii Volcano Spews Ash, Lava
• Hawaii volcanic activity raises a host of insurance issues  (Reed Smith Blog)

Ask an Expert Forum:

The UP “Ask an Expert” forum is an easy and safe way to ask direct questions and get answers from experienced and reputable consumer-oriented attorneys, claim, construction, tax and finance professionals plus previous disaster survivors who serve as UP volunteers. Your identity and personal information are protected. Visit the “Ask an Expert” forum here.