Virginia Insurance Regulator Offers Post-Storm Advice

July 6, 2012

The series of deadly storms that struck much of the mid-Atlantic last week left 12 people in Virginia dead and extensive damage in their wake.

Virginia Insurance Commissioner Jacqueline Cunningham is advising consumers to contact their insurance company or agent as soon as possible for help in determining the coverage available under their policies for homes, businesses and vehicles that were damaged during the storms.

The insurance regulator said the insurance company or agent also will be able to guide consumers through the process of filing a claim.

Virginia’s State Corporation Commission (SCC) Bureau of Insurance website offers contact information for insurance companies and agents at: www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/ConsumerInquiry/CompanySearch.aspx (for insurance company lookup) or www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/ConsumerInquiry/ProducerSearch.aspx (for insurance agent/agency lookup).

Commissioner Cunningham also recommends taking pictures of damaged property, saving receipts for repair costs, and protecting property from further damage.

The Bureau offers free consumer insurance guides on a variety of topics including disaster guides for homeowners and businesses. The disaster guides provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about settling disaster-related insurance problems. The guides are available on the Bureau’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/pubs.aspx.

Commissioner Cunningham also reminds Virginia policyholders that, in addition to coverage for property damage, property policies may include coverage for debris removal and additional living expenses. Policyholders are reminded to check the insurance policy or contact the agent or insurance company to discuss what coverage is available.

Virginia policyholders who have questions about their homeowners, mobile home, automobile or business policies or an insurer’s handling of their claim are encouraged to call the Bureau through its toll-free telephone number – 1-877-310-6560 – or in Richmond at (804) 371-9185.

The Bureau’s specially trained staff can help consumers with their insurance questions and concerns and can offer tips to help consumers expedite the processing of claims with the insurance company. The Bureau also may be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.virginia.gov.

Topics Carriers Agencies Windstorm Virginia

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