Defining the Debris Removal Process for Insured Tornado Victims

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For Immediate Release:

 May 31, 2013

  

 

Defining the Debris Removal Process for Insured Tornado Victims

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak wants to make sure tornado victims with homeowners insurance understand their financial responsibility in regards to debris removal.

 

“Policyholders need to be aware of the process so they aren’t surprised down the road when they get a bill for debris removal,” said Doak.

 

The following guidelines apply to victims in the City of Moore. Other impacted cities in Central Oklahoma may have slightly different procedures.

If you ARE insured:

  • Option 1 – Demolish any remaining walls and slab and move it from your property to the curb. City crews will remove anything within 18 feet of the curb as long as it is one continuous pile of debris. This service is provided at no charge to impacted homeowners regardless of insurance policy.
  • Option 2 – Hire a private contractor to handle any demolition and/or move your debris from your property to the curb where it will be removed by city crews. You will either pay the contractor directly, or your insurer will write them a check.
  • Option 3 – Complete a Right of Entry application with the City of Moore. You will also need to provide a copy of your homeowners insurance claim settlement. This allows city workers to come on to your property, carry out any necessary demolition and move the debris to the curb. At a later date, the city will need to collect the debris removal fee that you received from your insurance company. The Right of Entry application will be available beginning June 4, 2013 at Moore City Hall located at 301 N. Broadway. 

If you are underinsured or NOT insured:

  • Option 1 – Carry out the demolition yourself by taking down the remaining walls and slab and moving the debris from your property to the curb. City crews will remove anything within 18 feet of the curb as long as it is one continuous pile of debris. This service is provided at no charge for all impacted homeowners. 
  • Option 2 – Request assistance from the City of Moore. You will need to submit a “Right of Entry” application to allow city workers onto your property to carry out the demolition and move the debris to the curb. FEMA will reimburse the city for this assistance. 

These policies are subject to change. This release will be updated as additional information becomes available.

 

If you have any questions regarding an insurance claim, please call the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-522-0071.

 

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

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For more information contact:

Kelly Collins
(405) 522-0683

Kelly.Collins@oid.ok.gov