August 24, 2005

Given the property damage that occurred as the result of last week's tornadoes, we understand that there will likely be individual consumers with questions or concerns about insurance claims. Since every situation is different, we encourage any consumer who is having problems with their insurance company to contact our office. Staff from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) will take information from consumers with tornado damage over the phone and contact the insurer on their behalf.

Insurers can have different procedures for documenting insurance claims. The procedures should be reasonable, but may include asking the policyholder to prepare a list of damaged or destroyed items. Because that may be a difficult task when there has been significant destruction, OCI can offer assistance to consumers to help them understand the process.

Policyholders who are having problems getting claims resolved should take the following steps:

• Contact the company/agent to make sure you know what is required to document the loss (contact OCI if assistance is needed in making contact with the agent or company).
• Work with them to complete the proof of loss.
• Contact OCI for assistance if there are any questions or issues with your insurance claim.

Local (in Dane County): 266-0103
Web: oci.wi.gov
Toll Free: 1-800-236-8517

OCI also publishes a brochure, "Settling Property Insurance Claims," to provide consumers with information on what to do after a loss and tips on what to do before a loss.