Natural disasters like hurricanes and floods do not just damage or destroy buildings and utilities. They could also result in the loss of some extremely important documents, such as mortgage information, estate planning documents, green cards and birth certificates.

As you recover from the losses you have suffered in the recent hurricanes in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you may realize some of your important documents have been lost or damaged. Below is some information that can help you replace them:

Bank checks, ATM/debit cards or safe deposit boxes

Connect with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which can cover your losses.

Phone: 877-275-3342

Website: www.fdic.gov

 

Credit cards

Here is the contact information for each of the major credit card institutions:

For bank issued credit cards, which include Master Card and Visa, please contact your local bank.

 

Credit reports

You will need to reach out to Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. There is a single phone number and website to make these efforts easier.

Phone: 877-322-8228
Website: www.annualcreditreport.com

 

Medicare cards

Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: www.socialsecurity.gov/medicarecard/

 

Passport

Phone: 202-955-0430 or 1-877-487-2778
Website: //travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/lost-stolen.html 

Social Security Card

Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: www.ssa.gov

 

Medicare cards

Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: www.socialsecurity.gov/medicarecard/

 

Tax Returns

Contact the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue
6115 Estate Smith Bay, Suite 225
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Phone: 340-715-1040
Website: www.bir.vi.gov

4008 Estate Diamond, Plot 7B
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820
Phone: 340-773-1040

 

Real estate and property records

Contact the Office of Recorder of Deeds
No. 5049 Kongens Gade
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Phone: 340-774-9906
Website: www.ltg.gov.vi/recorder-of-deeds.html

1105 King Street
Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820
Phone: 340-773-6449

 

Birth, death

Contact the VI Department of Health (Vital Statistics)
Knud Hansen Complex, Hospital Ground
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Phone: 340-774-9000, ext. 4621
Website: http://vitalrec.com/vi.html

Charles Harwood Memorial Complex
Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820
Phone: 340-773-1311

 

Marriage Certificates

Contact the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center
5400 Veteran’s Drive
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Phone: 340-774-6680
Website: www.visuperiorcourt.org

R.H. Amphlett Leader Justice Center
RR1 9000
Kingshill, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00850
Phone: 340-778-9750

 

Estate planning documents

Talk to your estate planning attorney, who should have copies of your estate planning documents on record. Wills can also be stored for “safe keeping” at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.

 

Medical bills and history

Your medical provider should have a thorough record of the treatment you have received and the bills you have paid, so check with them first.

For more information on the various locations to contact if you have lost or damaged documents that need to be replaced, contact the team at BoltNagi. We would be happy to assist.

Attorney Steven K. Hardy is Chair of the Corporate, Tax and Estate Planning Practice Group at BoltNagi, an established and widely respected corporate tax planning law firm serving clients throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.