State officials issue advice on handling insurance damage claims from Irma

ATLANTA — Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said his office stands ready to assist Georgia residents with any claims arising from Hurricane Irma, including providing a toll-free claims assistance line. Hudgens also said his office plans to have insurance experts in the area to provide one-on-one assistance.

“Policyholders can contact my Consumer Services Division toll-free at 1-800-656-2298,” Hudgens said in a news release. “Also, if Irma should cause significant damage, I plan to send claims experts to the affected areas for face-to-face consultations.”

In the meantime, Hudgens recommended that property owners who were forced to evacuate their homes have copies of their insurance policies, insurance companies’ and agents’ phone numbers; a personal belongings inventory, and keep all of these documents handy.

The Commissioner also reminded property owners of the following tips in case of damage:

• Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage to either your house or car, do not delay. Your agent should provide you with claims forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit your property or look at your automobile.

• Remember in any severe weather to drive with caution. Inclement weather does not absolve a driver of liability should he or she have an automobile accident. It is your responsibility to drive with a degree of caution warranted by hazardous conditions.

• A typical homeowner’s policy does not cover damage from flood waters. A separate policy must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your agent if you feel you need a flood policy. Remember, you must live in a flood plain, and your community must participate in the NFIP to qualify for this type of coverage. Coverage usually goes into effect 30 days after the policy is purchased. Unlike a typical homeowner’s policy, a mobile home policy may include flood coverage.

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

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

• Remember, many insurance companies permit their claims representatives to write checks or issue debit cards for additional living expenses to policyholders on the spot. Contact your agent for details.

“The Department expects insurers to settle claims in a timely manner and work closely with the department to help individuals affected by this natural disasters,” Deputy Insurance Commissioner Jay Florence said.

Anyone having questions about their policy, or those who are experiencing difficulty in reaching their insurance company, may call Hudgens’ Consumer Services Hotline at 1-800-656-2298. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.