AIU Offers Hurricane Resources in 2 South Carolina Counties

May 12, 2009

Homeowners in the South Carolina counties of Charleston and Beaufort who purchase homeowners policies from AIU Holdings’ Private Client Group can now access the advanced disaster preparedness and post-hurricane resources of Private Client Group’s Hurricane Protection Unit.

The unit assists policyholders with disaster preparations, and responds in a hurricane’s immediate aftermath with repair resources that often become scarce post-storm.

Access to the unit, whose resources have been previously deployed in coastal Florida and at-risk regions of New Jersey and Long Island, New York, is complimentary for homeowners who purchase policies through Private Client Group, which caters to high-income insureds.

Prior to hurricane season, policyholders may request a consultation with a hurricane mitigation specialist who will help devise a plan to maximize the home’s protection. If needed, the plan can also include action steps for moving artwork, automobiles and watercraft to safety.

During hurricane season, the Hurricane Protection Unit monitors approaching hurricanes. After landfall, catastrophe response units are dispatched automatically to insured residences in the affected areas to assess exterior damage. If there is visible structural damage, pre-approved vendors make short-term repairs such as tarping holes in the roof, and boarding up broken doors, windows and other openings. Simultaneously, the unit communicates with policyholders who have evacuated to apprise them of any sustained damage.

Claims staff follow up with more detailed assessments as needed. Insureds may also engage Private Client Group’s art collection professionals to remove and transport pieces.

“Our policyholders typically have more substantial homes, yet many don’t realize that a simple broken window during a storm can result in costly damage if not attended to quickly,” noted Todd Triano, vice president, Private Client Group. “This service enables us to act with the level of urgency required to minimize ensuing wind and water damage. We’re not going to sit and wait for someone to call in a claim. Instead, we’ll be on the ground as quickly as possible to inspect and repair any breaches — whether the homeowner is there or not.”

Charleston and Beaufort County policyholders with historic homes also have access to Private Client Group’s Architectural Legacy Services, a team of risk management specialists with expertise in historic preservation and architectural history.

Private Client Group’s portfolio of insurance products includes homeowners, excess liability, automobile, private collections, excess flood, yacht, aviation, and kidnap and ransom

Source: Private Client Group, a division of AIU Holdings
www.aiuholdings.com

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