May 6-7 Storm Response and Claims Tips - Mississippi Insurance Department

 

May 6-7 Storm Response and Claims Tips

 

 

JACKSON, Miss. — If your home was damaged in the May 6-7 storms, now is the time to take action. The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) suggests that you know your deductible, assess your damages, and then determine whether you need to file a claim with your insurance company.   If you need assistance with an insurance question or claim, call MID at 601-359-3569 or  1-800-562-2957, email consumer@mid.ms.gov or visit www.mid.ms.gov    Follow these steps when filing a claim:    ·     Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.  ·     File your claim as soon as possible. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time period.  ·     Be aware that if a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures.  ·     Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms, and data you will need to file a claim.  ·     Keep a record of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors, or relief agencies.  ·     If you are not staying on the property, make sure your insurance representative knows where and how to contact you.  ·     If your home is damaged to the extent that you can’t live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses.  ·     Take photographs/video of the damage. Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process.  ·     Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs, and damaged walls).  ·     Don’t have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.  ·     Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made before the damage.  ·     Maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect.  ·     Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.  ·     Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer.  ·     Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.      Media Contact: Beth Reiss Communications Director 601-359-2403 beth.reiss@mid.ms.gov ###

 

About The Mississippi Insurance Department

 

The mission of the Mississippi Insurance Department is to impartially enforce state laws and regulations to create a competitive marketplace for the sale of insurance products and services while providing the State’s citizens with the maximum amount of consumer protection. We aim to create the highest degree of economic security, quality of life, public safety, and fire protection for the State’s citizens at the lowest possible cost.

 

Mississippi Insurance Department 501 N. West St, 1001 Woolfolk Building, Jackson, MS 39201 601-359-3569 www.mid.ms.gv   Connect with us

What Insurance Do I Need in My 60s and 70s?

Your 60s are a time to enjoy the rewards of decades of hard work—but they also come with new financial and health considerations. As you enter your 70s, your insurance needs shift from income protection to preserving your health, assets, and legacy. As retirement approaches or begins, insurance becomes a vital part of protecting your lifestyle, your loved ones, and your legacy. Here’s a guide to the key insurance needs for this stage of life:

1. Medicare and Supplemental Health Insurance

Most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65. While Medicare covers many healthcare costs, it doesn’t cover everything. Consider a Medigap policy to help with deductibles, copays, and services not covered by traditional Medicare. Review your options annually to ensure your plan fits your evolving health needs.

2. Long-Term Care Insurance

The likelihood of needing long-term care increases with age. Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care—expenses that can quickly deplete retirement savings. Purchasing coverage in your early 60s can help lock in lower premiums and broader benefits. Whole Life Insurance and Annuities may provide needed future funding for health needs.

3. Life Insurance

If you still have financial dependents or want to leave a legacy, life insurance remains important. Permanent life insurance can also be used for estate planning or to cover final expenses. If you no longer need coverage, consider whether surrendering or converting your policy makes sense.

4. Homeowners and Auto Insurance

Ensure your home and auto policies reflect current values and offer sufficient liability protection. If your home is paid off, you may be tempted to reduce coverage—but maintaining full protection is wise, especially if you plan to age in place.

5. Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage beyond your home and auto policies. It’s a smart way to protect your retirement savings from unexpected lawsuits or claims.

6. Travel Insurance

If retirement means more travel, consider travel insurance for trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, and lost luggage. It’s a small investment for peace of mind while exploring the world.

---

Final Thoughts Your 60s and 70s are about enjoying life while safeguarding your financial future. Reviewing and adjusting your insurance portfolio ensures you’re prepared for life’s uncertainties and can focus on what matters most—health, family, and freedom.

Angelyn Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent.  Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177,  azeringue@southgroup.net.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our convenient locations!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino, Tiffany Nguyen, Alexa Weldon, Denise Pickers and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have more locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Alabama - District of Columbia - Florida -Georgia - Indiana - Kentucky - Louisiana - Michigan - Mississippi - Missouri - North Carolina - Ohio - Pennsylvania - South Carolina - Tennessee - Texas – Virginia.  We specialize in coastal exposures.
Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance! Save time, money and stress!
#trustedchoice #southgroup
#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel