Insurers opened for business over the weekend as they dealt with a rush of claims following the direct hit from Hurricane Gonzalo.

Freisenbruch-Meyer said its offices were open from early today and the firm also had a claims surveyor stationed in the East End available to help those who were unable to cross the Causeway.

Freisenbruch-Meyer policyholders were urged to contact Khomeini Taalib-Din on 332-3092 or the firm’s offices on 296-3600, or to submit claims using its Eclaims App.

Colonial Insurance said its offices were open from 9am took a dozen claims calls in the first hour. Colonial will also open tomorrow at 9am. The office can be contacted on 296-3700.

Argus Group said its offices would be open until 6pm today and would also be open on Sunday from 9am until 6pm. Argus encourages clients to call the Argus Claims Hurricane Hotline at 298-0888 for queries or filing a report relating to any damage caused by the storm. Clients can also reach customer service representatives on 295-2021.

Claimants are urged to file their damage reports by phone or in person and to take photos of damaged property. Then the company will send in adjusters as soon as possible.

Argus also urged residents to obtain estimates for repair work and not “to be rushed into signing a contract”.

“Likewise, never pay for the entire repair upfront, instead wait until the repairs are complete,” Argus advised. “If you have any concerns about estimates you receive, please do not hesitate to contact Argus.”

BF & M was also open for business and customers can make insurance claims by calling 295-5566. The firm said its St George’s office, located at The St George’s Club, was now open for business today and urged East End policyholders to file their claims there.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) also urged claimants to contact their insurers immediately to begin the recovery process.

“Our thoughts are with those who’ve been impacted by Hurricane Gonzalo,” said PCI’s director of personal lines, Chris Hackett. “Insurance agents are starting to go out in the field to help those impacted by Hurricane Gonzalo file claims and begin putting their lives back together.”

The PCI’s director of personal lines, Chris Hackett, said: “Once you have filed your claim, there are a number of things you can do such as photograph the damage and make an inventory of what was lost and damaged to help expedite the recovery process.”

The PCI advised residents to cover holes in their roofs and windows as soon as possible to prevent further damage; to have as much information as possible on lost or damaged property ready for the claims adjuster’s visit; make a list of damaged items, with photographs, or receipts if available; and don’t throw out damaged furniture or other expensive items before the claims adjuster has had a chance to see them.

PCI is a US trade association with more than 1,000 member companies.