Ohio Insurance Department Provides Claim Tips for Storm Victims

Ohio Department of Insurance Director Lee Covington has issued a series of “tips” to help property owners filing claims resulting from the devastating tornadoes that struck the state over the weekend.

“It’s important for all Ohioans who were affected by this terrible disaster to know there’s a professional analyst at the Ohio Department of Insurance waiting to help them sort out their insurance issues,” Covington stated. “Analysts can be reached at 1-800-686-1526 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and messages can be left after hours.”

He also listed a number of “Tips for property owners filing claims as a result of storm damage, including:
– Contact your insurance agent or company claims representative as soon as possible. If your insurer does not call you back or send an adjuster to your property within 3 days, call the Department at 800-686-1526 for assistance. Track all expenses associated with the loss and keep copies of all of your paperwork.

-Try to protect against further losses by making temporary repairs. Keep receipts associated with such repairs, as these may be reimbursable under your homeowners insurance. If a loss forces you to obtain a temporary residence, be sure to inform your insurance company. Call the company and also leave information about how you can be contacted at your property in case an adjuster comes to the property for a damage assessment.

-Don’t throw damaged property away unless instructed to do so by your insurance adjuster, and don’t start permanent repairs without prior approval from your insurer.

-Be sure to ask for references and check them before you sign a contract. Check with your local Better Business Bureau® to make sure the company has a good track record. In addition, the state Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section (800-282-0515) will often assist local communities in establishing a contractor registration program, to protect homeowners from scam artists and slipshod contractors after a disaster.

-Obtain more than one estimate, and get everything in writing. Don’t be pressured into signing the first contract that is presented to you.

-You have the right to choose which contractor will repair your home. Your insurer may provide you with a list of pre-approved contractors, but as the policyholder, you have the final say in contractor selection.

-If are not able to negotiate an acceptable settlement with your insurer, call the Department of Insurance, which regulates all insurance agents and companies within the state, and is very effective at mediating disputes between policyholders and insurers.

Topics Windstorm Ohio Property Contractors