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