Press Release, May 30, 2017, OCI: Resource for Severe Weather Recovery Efforts

​Last Updated: May 30, 2017

Date: May 30, 2017
For more information contact: Elizabeth Hizmi, Public Information Officer, (608) 267-9460 or elizabeth.hizmi@wisconsin.gov

​OCI: Resource for Severe Weather Recovery Efforts

Madison, WI—Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel reassures support from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) for citizens recovering from the tornado and heavy rains that caused significant damage to Barron, Rusk, and Jackson counties.

"As the next phase unfolds, we know the aftermath of the storm will be stressful," said Commissioner Nickel. "OCI and other state agencies are here and ready to help in this difficult time."

You can contact OCI with questions at 1-800-236-8517 or via e-mail at ocicomplaints@wisconsin.gov. If you have a specific complaint about your insurance, refer it first to the insurance company or agent involved. If you do not receive satisfactory answers, contact OCI.

Commissioner Nickel suggests the following tips in dealing with the aftermath of the storm:

• Notify your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible to begin filing a claim.
• Contact your insurance company again if an adjuster has not been assigned to you within several days.
• To avoid scams, make sure to take your time. If you feel pressured to sign a contract quickly, take a step back and investigate. Rebuilding your home or business is important, but quickly signing a contract with an unscrupulous party can make a bad situation worse.

OCI provides numerous helpful publications including:

• Documents and Records—provides a list of documents that will need to be replaced if they have been destroyed and whom to contact for replacement.
• Settling Property Insurance Claims—provides information on what to do after a loss and how to settle an insurance claim, including flood insurance.
• Consumer's Guide to Homeowner's Insurance—explains the basic coverages included in homeowner's and tenant's insurance policies, the types of policies, what you should do if you have a loss, and the Wisconsin Insurance Plan.
• Manufactured Home Insurance—explains the basic coverages included in a mobile home insurance policy.
• Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance—explains the types of coverage provided in an auto insurance policy, how to shop for insurance, and collision damage waiver coverage for rental cars.
• Many more consumer publications can be found on OCI's Web site at oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/ConsumerPublications.aspx.

Created by the Legislature in 1870, 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.