Mercury Insurance Is Ready To Help Victims Of The 'Colby' Fire Near Glendora

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California red flag conditions have produced its first wildfire of 2014 – the "Colby" fire raging near Glendora – and Mercury is ready to assist policyholders who may have been forced to evacuate their homes, or whose property has suffered fire damage. Representatives are available to help with claims (http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/insurance-claims/how-to-file-insurance-claim.html), arrange for temporary housing or provide assistance with living expenses if policyholders have been displaced, in the event they suffered a covered loss.

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"We're here to help our customers in their time of need," said Doug Menges, Mercury Insurance chief claims officer. "Mercury customers can report claims 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the Mercury Claims Hotline at (800) 503-3724. Our claims team is committed to providing the resources needed during this difficult time and we'll do everything we can to help get their lives back to normal if they've been affected by this fire."

The Glendora wildfire has already burned hundreds of acres and forced home evacuations. Firefighters are clearing vegetation to stop advancing flames, but the wildfire is still uncontained.

Californians can help spread this message by following @MercuryIns on Twitter and ReTweeting this message: "Mercury policyholders impacted by the #ColbyFire call (800) 503-3724 to file a claim ASAP."

Menges advises policyholders follow a few simple procedures to help the claims process run smoothly.

When filing a claim

• Contact Mercury immediately to report your loss.
• Be prepared to provide your policy number.
• Do not remove debris or damaged property that may be related to your claim.

Steps after filing a claim

• Prepare a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged property.
• Offer photos or video tapes of your home and possessions to your adjuster, if these are available.
• Keep copies of communications between you and your adjuster.
• Keep records and receipts for additional living expenses that were incurred if you were forced to leave your home and provide copies to your adjuster.

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE (www.mercuryinsurance.com)

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents in Florida, Georgia, California, New Jersey, Arizona, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices – core values that distinguish Mercury in the marketplace.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance