LOS ANGELES , July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance has dispatched claims adjusters to the Marie Kerr Park evacuation shelter, which will serve to expedite the claims process for wildfire victims. Claims can also be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Mercury Claims Hotline at (800) 503-3724 .  

Mercury's mobile claims team is standing by to assist homeowners, who were forced to evacuate their homes and have suffered property damage from the wildfires that erupted yesterday in the Antelope Valley.  

An animal shelter for large animals is located at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds at 2551 West Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536.

"The Mercury claims team is here for our customers in the event they need to make a claim during this difficult time," said Joanna Moore , Mercury's chief claims officer.  "Events such as these fires can be devastating and we will do everything we can to help our policyholders get back to normal as quickly as possible."

To help speed the claims process, Mercury suggests claimants consider the following tips when filing a claim ( Mercury Claims Hotline: 1-800-503-3724):  

Returning home after evacuation

• If your home has sustained serious structural damage, be extremely careful inside.  Debris can be hazardous, and the structure could be unstable.
• If your home is uninhabitable, find out what additional living expenses your insurance may provide.

When filing a claim

• Prepare to file your claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.  Contact Mercury immediately to report your loss.
• Do not remove debris or damaged property that may be related to your claim.
• Remember to provide claims adjusters with alternate (mobile) contact phone numbers.

Steps after filing a claim

• Prepare a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged property.
• Offer photos or videotapes 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

Founded in 1962, Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization offering predominantly personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents and brokers in California , Florida , New Jersey , Texas , Arizona , New York , Georgia , Oklahoma , Illinois , Michigan , Nevada , Virginia and Pennsylvania .

SOURCE Mercury Insurance