Oct. 5, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

WARREN, N.J., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has extended its post-catastrophe inspection service to homeowners insurance customers who own a secondary or seasonal home in Georgia and South Carolina and who may not be able to visit their property immediately after a hurricane or other named storm.

Following a named storm, Chubb will deploy its residential appraisers to inspect the exterior of customers' secondary or seasonal homes in potentially affected areas. The appraisers will inform those customers and their agents or brokers about the condition of the homes. If damage is present, homeowners can authorize the appraisers to submit claims on their behalf and arrange for the dispatch of restoration specialists who can board up, tarp and extract water from the home. The service, Chubb Property Manager, has been available for Florida residents since 2007.

"Our customers' response to this service in Florida has been overwhelmingly positive," said Maria Fernandes, client service manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "It brings them peace of mind to know that someone is looking out for their property after they've been evacuated or if they are living elsewhere. As a result, we are able to help our customers prevent further damage to their property following a storm."

To enroll in or obtain more information on the service, customers can call 1-866-444-0360.

Fernandes said Chubb Property Manager does not eliminate the need for customers to try to prevent losses prior to storms and other potentially catastrophic events. To assist customers in this regard, Chubb will continue to offer its water and wind loss prevention service in coastal areas. This service includes evaluation of a home's risk to wind and flood damage; recommendations for wind shutters, impact-resistant glass and other loss-prevention technologies; emergency planning for art collections; and referrals to qualified product and service providers.

The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb's global network includes branches and affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. Chubb is a worldwide leader in insuring fine homes, automobiles, yachts, antiques and other collectibles, and personal liability. Additional information on Chubb can be found at www.chubb.com/personal.

SOURCE Chubb Group of Insurance Companies