For some Hawai‘i residents, the storm system that moved through the Islands last week brought not only heavy rains and high winds, but property damage, too.

“While it is still very early, insurers are beginning to receive claims across several lines of insurance, particularly homeowners and auto,” the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division told Aloha State Daily in an email Tuesday.

The Insurance Division regulates the state’s insurance industry. As the regulator, the division says it doesn’t receive claims directly but is in communication with insurers and monitoring the situation closely.

“Early indications suggest damage ranging from flooding and water intrusion to wind-related impacts such as roof and property damage,” the division noted. “We expect claim filings to increase as more residents assess damage and contact their insurers.”

In an announcement over the weekend, DCCA told residents to “protect their property and file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible.”

The Insurance Division says the most important thing for policy holders is to contact their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to begin the claims process “and to document all damage thoroughly.”

“This includes taking photos or videos before making temporary repairs, keeping receipts and maintaining clear records of communications with their insurer,” the division says. “If consumers encounter issues or have questions, they can contact the Insurance Division as we are here to help ensure claims are handled fairly and in accordance with the law.”

Need some guidance? You can check out the division’s Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide as well as an instructional video on how to file an insurance claim.

Among other tips noted in the March 14 announcement, the Insurance Division says that residents should review their insurance policies each year.

“One of the most important steps homeowners, renters and condominium unit owners can take is to review their insurance policies to understand what is covered and what is not,” the announcement states. “Residents should also keep copies of their property, flood and auto insurance policies in a waterproof container, or stored securely in the cloud so they can be easily accessed if a claim must be filed.”

Additionally, the announcement notes, most standard homeowners, condominium unit-owners and renters insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available separately through the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Insurance Division told ASD that flood insurance is generally not required for all homeowners, but is typically required by lenders for properties located within designated high-risk flood zones.

“However, flooding can occur outside of these areas, which is why we strongly encourage all homeowners and renters to consider flood coverage,” the division says.

“In a typical home setting, a standard flood insurance policy generally helps cover physical damage caused by rising water, such as damage to the structure of the home (including foundation, walls, electrical and plumbing systems) and certain essential contents like appliances and personal belongings,” the division continued. “However, coverage is subject to policy limits and exclusions such as items like landscaping, temporary housing costs, and some high-value personal property may be limited or not covered.”

Meanwhile, the division says that for those who have flood damage but don’t carry flood insurance, standard homeowners policies generally don’t cover flood-related losses.

“In those situations, individuals may look to federal disaster assistance programs, if a disaster declaration is made, or explore any available local relief resources.”

More information on flood insurance is available at floodsmart.gov.

Find more resources to help you better understand your insurance coverage online, including My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What? and Annual Review of Your Insurance Policies.

Looking for more tips, disaster recovery resources or assistance with insurance-related concerns? You can reach the state Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit here.

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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.