Date: June 21, 2007
For more information contact: Eileen Mallow, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, (608) 266-7843 or eileen.mallow@wisconsin.gov

Recent storms raise insurance questions

Madison, WI—Unfortunately, some Wisconsin residents have had recent experience with property losses from severe storms and tornados. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) can help consumers with questions about how to settle property insurance claims due to tornado, storm and flood damage.

"If you have had a loss, it is important you understand your insurer's procedures for documenting your claim," said Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. "Especially since each insurer may have a different process."

Because many consumers are not prepared for storm and flood damage and making inventory lists of damaged items can be a difficult task when there has been significant destruction, OCI can offer assistance to consumers to help them sort through and better understand the process.

"We understand this is a difficult time for people who have suffered losses," said Sean Dilweg. "It is important for people to know that they can always contact OCI when they are confused or having problems with their insurance company."

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. Contact information for OCI is provided below.)
• Work with them to complete the proof of loss.
• Contact OCI for assistance if there are any questions or issues with your insurance claim.

It is also important when you are making repairs to your property to make sure the contractor you use is licensed and reputable. Make sure they have proper building permits, are insured, and will give you a written guarantee of the work performed. Beware of companies who ask for a large amount of money up front and those whose bids are amazingly low - they may cut corners and leave you with a construction or building code problem after they are gone.

Insurance can be a complicated product and can be even worse after you have suffered a loss. OCI is here to help sort out the confusing parts of insurance and make sure people are back on their feet as quickly as possible.

Helpful publications such as "Settling Property Insurance Claims," can be ordered free from the agency by writing to OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873, calling 800-236-8517 or visiting the OCI Web site at http://oci.wi.gov.

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.