State insurance department ready to assist storm victims

Published 11:39 am Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine said investigators in his Consumer Services Division are standing by to assist consumers in storm-damaged areas of Georgia.

Oxendine said policyholders who need help with claims caused by violent weather can  call his office for assistance at 1-800-656-2298, or in the Metro area at 404-656-2070.

Oxendine offers the following tips:

• Contact your agent or insurance company immediately.

• Protect your property from further damage.  For example, if your roof is damaged, cover it with tarp to prevent water damage from rain.  Most policies will not cover such damage.

• Keep an accurate record, including receipts for labor and material, of repair expenses.  Do not dispose of damaged property until it is examined by the insurance adjuster.

• A typical homeowner’s or commercial property policy does not cover removal of downed trees, unless the tree falls on a covered structure, such as the house.

• If damage is so severe you have to leave, remove valuable items if there is nowhere in the home to lock them up.

• Policies will normally cover contents at their cash value, which means their used value; however, most companies offer a replacement cost option, which will pay for new items.

“Our office takes calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., so we can offer the convenience of assisting consumers by phone after traditional working hours,” Oxendine said.