How to make a claim
BP deeply regrets the spill that has occurred in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Incident. BP takes full responsibility for responding to the Deepwater Horizon Incident
Items covered
BP is committed to paying all legitimate claims for damages resulting from the oil spill and necessary response costs. This includes:- Property damage
- Net loss of profits and earning capacity
- Subsistence loss and natural resource damage
- Removal and cleanup costs
- Cost of increased public services
- Net loss of government revenue
Individuals and businesses
BP has established a process for individuals and businesses to file claims to cover losses and/or damage. File a claim by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-440-0858 (TTY device 1-800-572-3053), or by submitting a form online:If you file a claim via the toll free number, 1-800-440-0858 (TTY device 1-800-572-3053)
- You will be given a claim number by the call center. It is important that you keep your claim number. You will need this information.
- After you have your claim number, a claim adjuster will contact you, or you can visit a claim center.
- If you visit the 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, email, or fax.
- See below for what type of documentation is 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.
- If you visit the center, you will need a photo ID and documentation to support your claim.
- If you talk with a claim adjuster on the phone, documentation can be sent by mail, email, or fax.
- See below for what is needed for each type of claim.
Visit a Claims Office
You may visit one of the 25 BP Claims Offices; however, we recommend that you first obtain a claim number by calling the toll free number 1-800-440-0858 (TTY device 1-800-572-3053). This will help avoid delays.Claims by mail
You may submit a claim via mail by sending it to: ESIS, One Beaver Valley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803Other information
You should only file one claim. You can report different types of damages on the same form with the same claim number. Exceptions include if you are reporting property damage for more than one real estate property. If this is the case, file a separate form for each address. Claim adjusters can answer any questions or deal with exceptions.Claims that are of large monetary value or are based on complex economic predictions of loss should be sent to ESIS, One Beaver Valley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. These claims will be handled by specialized adjusters with the assistance of accountants and lawyers.
Government entities
States, parishes, counties and local government and other political subdivisions that have incurred expenses responding to the Deepwater Horizon Incident and oil spill will have a separate dedicated process. Government entities can send their claims to ESIS Government Entity Claims, One Beaver Valley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. The fax number is (302) 476-6272. Local government entities may submit claims by phone by calling (302) 476-7732. All government claims will be handled by a specialized team and will be given high priority.BP has made advanced funds available to the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, as well as several local parishes in Louisiana. Local Government Entities are not required to submit claims to the states and parishes who received advanced funds prior to submitting claims to BP.
Supporting documentation
You will need to provide photo ID and documentation supporting your loss. Below is information about what is needed to support various claims.Loss of income or net profit claim documentation can include:
- Tax records
- Trip tickets
- Wage loss statements
- Deposit slips
- Boat registrations
- Copies of your current fishing license
Commercial economic loss claims may require additional business specific records.
Property damage claims can require photographs and replacement or cleaning receipts.
Larger property damage claims may require on-site inspection by a claim adjuster.
Loss of rental claims can include prior occupancy rates, cancellations, tax records, and bookkeeping records.
Bodily injury claims are not payable under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; however, BP will evaluate each bodily injury claim submitted on a case-by-case basis. You will need to provide medical records, medical bills, or pharmacy records to support the claim.
Property damage claims can require photographs and replacement or cleaning receipts.
Larger property damage claims may require on-site inspection by a claim adjuster.
Loss of rental claims can include prior occupancy rates, cancellations, tax records, and bookkeeping records.
Bodily injury claims are not payable under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; however, BP will evaluate each bodily injury claim submitted on a case-by-case basis. You will need to provide medical records, medical bills, or pharmacy records to support the claim.
Loss of income or net profit
Loss of income or net profit payments are made in advance because individuals and businesses need to pay their bills. Advance interim payments are made to claimants who are not receiving their ordinary income or profit while the cleanup is underway.The process works as follows:
- Once your supporting documentation is received, your claim will be evaluated, and you will be notified if an advance payment will be provided for your claim.
- The advance payment will be up to the equivalent of one month lost income, based on documentation you provide. The advance is not based on actual income, and you may receive supplemental payments if documented losses are larger than the amount of the interim advance payment.
Second payments
If you were given an interim advance payment for loss of income or net profits before June 1, you are eligible for a second payment. The second interim advance payment will be for the same amount as the first payment you received. No check will be reduced.Individuals and businesses will receive their second payment about 30 days after their initial advance payment was received. For example, if you received a payment on May 15, you will receive a second interim advance payment about June 15. Checks will be mailed to you along with a letter that is printed in four languages - English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Khmer.
If you are receiving your first interim advance payment in June, the claims center will communicate with you about any further possible payments.
BP will continue to evaluate whether additional payments are appropriate because claimants remain out of work due to the spill.
Supplemental payment
If you have losses that are larger than the amount of any interim advance payment, you must work with a claim adjuster to discuss those losses. Those who have provided documentation that demonstrates the losses actually incurred are larger than the total amount of interim advance payments received will receive a supplemental payment for the difference. This payment will be provided by a claim adjuster after talking with the individual or business owner.Help after you file a claim
You may call 1-800-573-8249 to check on the status of a claim if you have a claim number and have not heard from a claim adjuster. You should be prepared to provide your name, address and claim number so that the claim can be more easily located.Legal representation
An attorney is not necessary to submit a claim to BP. Some claimants may want to seek the advice or assistance of an attorney. BP pledges to treat claimants represented by attorneys the same as claimants proceeding without the assistance of an attorney.You and your attorney may prefer that you deal with BP or its adjusters directly. In that event, your attorney must consent in writing. To assist you, we have provided the attached authorization in the link below, which will allow us to communicate with you directly with respect to your claim(s).
Your attorney must send a letter of representation or the 'Attorney representation form' to ESIS, Inc.
Fax: 302-476-6272
Mail: ESIS, Inc.
1 Beaver Valley Road
1 West
Wilmington, DE 19803
If you are an attorney, filing on behalf of claimant(s), please fax a letter of representation to ESIS, Inc. at 302-476-6272
Fax: 302-476-6272
Mail: ESIS, Inc.
1 Beaver Valley Road
1 West
Wilmington, DE 19803
If you are an attorney, filing on behalf of claimant(s), please fax a letter of representation to ESIS, Inc. at 302-476-6272
Translators available
Some of the Claims Offices are staffed with translators including the following:For Vietnamese:
- Bayou LaBatre, AL
- Bay St. Louis, MS; Biloxi, MS
- New Orleans , LA
- Boothville-Venice, LA
- Gretna/Belle Chase, LA
- Bayou LaBatre, AL
- Bay St, Louis, MS
- Orange Brach, AL
- Mobile, AL
- Bay St. Louis, MS
Materials are available in:
Fraud
A fraud reporting hotline has been established at: 1-877-359-6281. All potential claims of fraud, waste, or abuse will be investigated by a dedicated Special Investigation Unit, and where appropriate, submitted to authorities.Anyone submitting false claims may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution under Federal law.
Our commitment to resolving pending claims
BP is committed to working with individuals to ensure that ALL legitimate claims are paid. We have asked the companies processing claims to assist individuals and businesses that may be experiencing difficulty identifying or locating necessary information.BP deeply regrets that you have been impacted and inconvenienced.
In this section
Helpful downloads
Press conference
Claims process press conference Orange Beach Alabama - 5 June 2010
