Date: April 20, 2009
For more information contact: Jim Guidry, (608) 264-6239 or jim.guidry@wisconsin.gov

Insurance Commissioner Provides Tips for Severe Weather

Madison, WI—Governor Doyle has announced April 20-24 as Wisconsin's Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is encouraging consumers to take this week as an opportunity to check your insurance policies to make sure you are properly insured for damage that may result from severe weather.

"In 2008, Wisconsin experienced nearly twice the average number of tornadoes, including unusual January tornadoes that caused damage to over 100 homes and buildings," said Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. "Wisconsin also averages 80 severe storms every year. Last year's flooding and storms taught many of us that we can lose a great deal in a very short time."

Typical homeowner's policies usually provide coverage for damage that is the direct result of severe weather. This includes hail and high winds, but not flooding. To protect yourself against floods, a separate policy must be purchased from the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP).

Damage resulting from sewer backup and sump pump problems is also rarely covered in homeowner's policies, but may be added through endorsements. Endorsements are a special coverage portion that adds additional coverage to the homeowner's policy. OCI recommends consumers review all endorsements closely before they are added to the policy.

"Consumers should be aware there are a variety of coverages available for homeowner's insurance. What is included in one policy may not be covered in another," said Dilweg. "Consumers need to understand their policy so that they can make any needed adjustments. A little planning now can save time and money in the future if you have to make a claim."

If your home is damaged by a storm, consumers should take the following steps:

1. Notify your company or agent as soon as possible to begin filing an insurance claim.
2. Make any necessary repairs to protect yourself from further loss or damage as soon as it is safe to do so.
3. Make a list of damaged items and start collecting receipts from the cost of repairs.
4. Take photographs of the damage for the insurance company.
5. Don't throw away furniture or expensive items damaged by the storm. Your insurance adjuster will want to see these.

More information about homeowner's insurance and filing claims is available in publications such as Consumer's Guide to Homeowner's Insurance and Settling Property Insurance Claims. Both are available on the OCI's Web site at oci.wi.gov. Hard copies of the publications may be requested by e-mailing ocipublications@wisconsin.gov, by calling 800-236-8517, or by writing OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873. More information on the National Flood Insurance Program can be found at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.