Georgia insurance commissioner urges preparation ahead of Irma

ATLANTA – Hurricane Irma’s course was uncertain Tuesday though forecasts increasingly projected a U.S. landfall in Florida for the category 5 cyclone, which already had wind speeds above 180 mph.

One track suggests the storm will turn north and pass along Florida and into Georgia.

On Tuesday, Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said residents of the state should prepare for severe weather before it arrives. Among his suggestions are reviewing property insurance coverage and protecting paperwork.

Hudgens recommended that property owners make copies of their insurance policies, obtain insurance companies’ phone numbers, inventory their personal belongings, and keep all of those documents with them should they be forced to leave their homes.

The commissioner also reminded property owners and renters about ways to deal with a disaster. Included in the tips:

— Identify what storm shelter is available to you and prepare an evacuation plan;

— Make a plan for pets, which not all emergency shelters will accept. Check with your veterinarian for help with a plan;

— Contact your insurance agent immediately regarding damage to home or car. The agent should provide claims forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit the property or to look at the auto;

— Drive with caution in severe weather. It does not absolve a driver of liability in the event of an automobile accident;

— A typical homeowner’s policy does not cover damage from floodwaters. A separate policy must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your agent if you feel you need a flood policy. You do not have to live in a flood plain in order to qualify for coverage, but your community does have to participate in the program. Coverage usually goes into effect 30 days after the policy is purchased. Unlike a typical homeowner’s policy, a mobile home policy usually includes flood coverage and does not have to be purchased separately;

— Secure your property. For example, if the roof was damaged or blown off, or a tree has pierced it, cover the affected area with a tarp or plywood to protect from further damage. Keep receipts of materials used for repairs; your insurance company should reimburse you for repair costs;

— If damage is so severe you have to leave, remove valuable items if there’s nowhere in the home to lock them up;

— Many insurance companies permit their claims representatives to write checks for additional living expenses to victims on the spot. Contact your agent for details.