BP Establishes Claims Filing Process

June 22, 2010

BP has established a process for individuals and businesses to file claims to cover losses and/or damage. The company agreed to establish a $20 billion escrow fund that will go toward damages and claims arising from the Gulf oil spill. You can file a claim in one of four ways – by calling the toll-free number, 800-440-0858; by submitting a form online; by going to a claims office or by mail. BP offers these instructions:

If you file a claim via the toll free number:

  • You will be given a claim number by the call center. Keep your number, as you will need this information.
  • After you have your claim number, a claim adjuster will contact you or you can visit a claim center.
  • You will need to have documentation to support your claim and a photo ID. If you talk with a claim adjuster on the phone, documentation can be sent by mail, e-mail or fax.
See below for the documentation needed for each type of claim.

If you file a claim online at www.bp.com/claims: You will be called and provided a claim number, usually the same day.
  • After you have your claim number, a claim adjuster will contact you or you can visit a claim center.
  • You will need to have documentation to support your claim and a photo ID. If you talk with a claim adjuster on the phone, documentation can be sent by mail, e-mail, or fax.
See below for what is needed for each type of claim.

If you go to a claims office: You may visit a BP claims office, but the company recommends you first obtain a claim number by calling the toll free number 800-440-0858.

The offices in Alabama are located at:
  • Bayou La Batre: 13290 N. Wintzell Ave.
  • Dauphin Island: 1008 Alabama Ave.
  • Foley (Orange Beach/Gulf Shores/Bon Secour): 1506 North McKenzie St. (Hwy. 59), Suite 104.
  • Gulf Shores/Orange Beach: 24039 Perdido Beach Blvd., Suite 1, Orange Beach.
  • Mobile: 325 East I-65 Service Road S., Suite 1.
Mississippi claims offices:
  • Bay St. Louis: 1171 U.S. 90.
  • Biloxi: 920 Cedar Lake Road, Suite K.
  • Pascagoula: 5912 Old Mobile Highway, Suite 3.
If you file a claim by mail: You may submit a claim via mail by sending it to: ESIS, One Beaver Valley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Documentation:

For all claims, you will need to provide photo ID and documentation supporting your loss, the website says. Your loss of income or net profit claim documentation can include: Tax records, trip tickets, wage loss statement, deposit slips, boat registration, copies of your current fishing license.

What types of damages can you file a claim for?

You may be eligible for compensation for loss of income or profits (including for fishing and rental property) and property damage or loss. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 defines eligible types of damages as:
  • Removal or cleaning costs: "Removal costs" means the costs of removal that are incurred after a discharge of oil has occurred or in any case in which there is a substantial threat of a discharge of oil, the costs to prevent, minimize or mitigate oil pollution from such an incident.
  • Real and personal property damage: Damage or economic loss related to the destruction or harm of real or personal property.
  • Loss of profits and earning capacity: Due to the injury or loss of real property, personal property or natural resources (such as shrimpers who cannot operate due to the closed Gulf waters; seafood producers and packers; businesses affected by the reduced tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, charter tours.)


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].