State Insurance Department ready to help storm victims
by Staff Reports
From Staff Reportsnews@newnan.com
State 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 Monday’s violent weather can call his office for assistance at 1-800-656-2298, or in the Metro area at 404-656-2070.
• 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.
