May 21, 2013
News
State Insurance Department ready to assist storm victims
NewsCentral Staff
Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said investigators in his Consumer Services Division are standing by to assist consumers in storm-damaged areas of Georgia.
Hudgens said policyholders who need help with claims caused by yesterday’s violent weather can call his office for assistance at 1-800-656-2298, or in the Metro area at 404-656-2070.
Hudgens 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.
• Hail damage to your car is typically covered by the comprehensive/collision portion of your automobile insurance policy; hail damage to your home – your roof, for example – is covered by your homeowners policy.
• 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.
