Oklahoma Insurance Department offers guidance for consumers affected by storms

Tips for filing claims, preventing further damage, avoiding repair fraud

The Oklahoma Insurance Department recommends individuals and businesses with damage from the storms in Norman, Mustang and Woodward contact their insurance companies as soon as possible. In a response to the severe storms, Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has issued a catastrophe declaration in Oklahoma allowing insurance companies to bring in additional adjusters to help in the claims process.

 

The Oklahoma Insurance Department offers the following guidance for consumers affected by the storms:

• Contact your insurance agent or your insurance company's toll-free claims number as soon as possible.
• If you have lost the contact information for your insurance company, the department may be able to help you locate the company. Contact us using the information below.
• If it is safe to access the area, take photographs of the damaged property. Visual documentation will help with the claims process and can assist the adjuster in the investigation.
• Make temporary repairs needed to prevent further damage. For example, a hole in the roof should be covered by a tarp or other material to keep rain out. Otherwise, further damage will likely not be covered by your insurance policy. Keep the receipts for materials you buy so you can be reimbursed.
• Don't make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage. If you do, your insurance company may not reimburse you. 
• If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep a record of all expenses, such as hotel and restaurant receipts.
• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Make two copies—one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
• Collect canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers that can assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
• Once your claim is processed, get estimates from contractors or auto repair shops known to you or recommended by someone you trust. Be suspicious of strangers who offer to do repairs for you.
• If you believe your insurance company has not handled your claim properly, file a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. The department will determine whether your insurance company has followed Oklahoma law in processing your claim.
• Don't let contractors inspect your property if you're not watching. Some unscrupulous companies will cause damage to drive up the repair cost, and your insurance company will likely not cover the additional cost.
• Don't pay the whole repair bill in advance. Pay in full only when the work is completed according to your agreement.
• Be suspicious of anyone who offers to get you more money for your insurance claim. A public adjuster - required to be licensed by the Insurance Department - may solicit you. Public adjusters will require part of your claim settlement as payment for their services. In general, consider hiring a public adjuster only if you reach an impasse with your insurance company.

 

"We are assessing the response from insurance companies serving these areas.  We stand ready to assist consumers," said Doak. Consumers can file complaints immediately with the Oklahoma Insurance Department at www.oid.ok.gov or by calling the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-522-0071.

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For more information please contact:     Brian King    (918) 606-9539   brian.king@oid.ok.gov