Relief Resources
Steps to Take After a Natural Disaster: A Homeowners Guide
If you’re a homeowner experiencing hardship from a natural disaster—whether your home has been damaged by fire or impacted by recent weather events—we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find the steps to start your road to recovery as well as helpful resources along the way.
1. Prioritize your safety.
Before taking any action, make sure you and your loved ones are out of harm’s way. If your home is unsafe, make sure to relocate to a safe place, as advised by first responders or emergency personnel.
2. Review and understand your homeowners insurance policy and coverage.
If you aren’t able to access your policy for any reason, reach out to your insurance agent to request a copy. If you’re unsure who your homeowners insurance is through, our Mortgage Servicing Department may be able to assist. You can reach us at 808-694-1050, Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:30 p.m. HST.
If you don’t have home insurance, there may be financial assistance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
3. Contact your insurance company.
Once you’ve reviewed your policy, contact your insurance company. They’ll be able to discuss what your next steps should be—and what they’ll need to start the claims process. For your convenience, a few of the major carriers are listed below:
- Island Insurance: 808-643-4000
- Allstate: 800-726-6033
- State Farm: 800-782-8332
- GEICO: 800-248-3888
- USAA: 800-531-8722
- Liberty Mutual: 800-362-0000
- First Insurance Company of Hawaii: 808-527-7711
- American Family Insurance: 800-692-6326
- Progressive: 800-776-4737
- DB Insurance: 888-891-7159
4. Submit your insurance claim documents to your lender.
Based on the net claim amount, additional documents may be required to determine how the claim proceeds will be distributed—we will work directly with you following the disbursement of funds. To start, be sure to include:
- The insurance claim number or reference ID
- The Proof of Loss Statement (which will be provided by your insurance company), and
- The Adjusters Report (which will be issued by the insurance adjuster).
5. Contact your mortgage servicer to discuss options.
If you work with Bank of Hawaii, you can reach us at the numbers below:
- Mortgage Assistance Program:
808-694-7297, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST - Mortgage Insurance Inquiries:
808-694-1050, Monday - Friday 7:30am to 4:30 p.m. HST
6. Think about your other financial obligations.
You may have financial assistance options with other loans and lines as well, such as car loans, personal loans, credit cards, or utility providers. Reach out to these companies and explain your situation to determine what type of support may be available. If you work with Bank of Hawaii, you can reach us at the numbers below:
- Personal & Auto Loan Assistance Program & Auto Insurance:
808-694-1500, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST - Credit card inquiries:
Log in to your Barclays Online Banking account or call 1-866-250-2883 to see what assistance may be available for you in the Barclays Payment Relief Program.
7. Contact a housing counselor for additional assistance.
You can also connect with housing counselors approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by calling 808-569-4287 or visiting hud.gov. HUD-approved counselors are helpful, patient, and neutral specialists that listen to your needs and can assist with:
- Disaster-recovery help, including FEMA and insurance claims/denials and other support
- Help communicating with your landlord, mortgage company, or assistance providers
- Creating a personalized action plan to overcome your housing-related challenges
- Budgeting tips including help managing bills, credit cards, student loans, and other debt
- Long-term support through coaching and check-ins
Additional Resources
FEMA Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has programs that can assist with home repair/replacement, funds for primary vehicles damaged in a disaster, and other essential, uninsured personal property.
Learn moreAmerican Red Cross Hawaii
The American Red Cross is providing resources and shelter to those impacted by the wildfires. If you are in immediate need of help, or need to find an open shelter, visit their website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Learn moreIRS Disaster and Emergency Relief
Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area.
Learn moreOffering Mortgage Forbearances to Maui Homeowners
We have joined Hawaii Community Lending in taking a pledge to provide mortgage forbearances to Maui families impacted by the tragic wildfire disaster.
Return to the Maui Relief and Resources Center.
If you have been affected by the recent wildfires in Maui and are seeking financial assistance and relief information, please visit our resource center.You're about to exit BOH.com
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