Residents are being urged to file insurance claims as soon as possible following the strong kona storm that recently hit the Hawaiian Islands.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division is reminding residents whose homes, vehicles or personal property were damaged in the storm to contact their insurance company or agent right away to report the loss.

Residents should ask for their claim number and confirm any deadlines for filing claims or submitting documentation, the division said.

Officials also recommend documenting all damage by taking clear photos or videos. If it is safe to do so, residents should keep damaged items until an insurance adjuster has inspected them.

Residents should also take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as covering roof leaks with tarps or boarding broken windows, but avoid making permanent repairs until an insurer has approved them.

People should keep records of storm-related expenses, including temporary repairs, hotel stays, meals and other costs, and save receipts whenever possible.

To help residents navigate the claims process, the Hawaii Insurance Division has a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video on how to file an insurance claim. Consumers may contact the Hawaii Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit cca.hawaii.gov/ins for claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

The division noted that most standard homeowners, condominium unit owners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available separately through the National Flood Insurance Program, which generally requires a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.