The Missouri Department of Insurance issued some recommendations to Missourian’s that sustained property damage as a result of recent storms with regard to how to deal with the damage and handle insurance claims.
John M. Huff, the director of the Department of Insurance, said “Consumers who sustained property damage need to act now. Move quickly to protect your property from further damage and file claims with your insurance companies.”
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Below are the tips from the Missouri Department of Insurance:
- Contact your insurance agent or your company’s toll-free claims number as soon as possible.
- If you have lost the contact information for your insurance company, the department may be able to help you locate it. Contact the department at insurance.mo.gov or by calling 800-726-7390.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For example, a hole in the roof should be covered by a tarp or other materials to keep out rain. The same goes for a broken car window. Otherwise, further damage will likely not be covered by your insurance policy. Keep the receipts for materials you buy so you can be reimbursed.
- Don’t make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage. If you do, your company may not reimburse you.
- Once your claim is processed, get estimates from contractors or auto repair shops known to you or recommended by someone you trust. Be suspicious of strangers who offer to do repairs for you.
- If you believe your insurance company has not handled your claim properly, file a complaint with us. The department will determine whether your insurance company has followed Missouri law in processing your claim.
- Don’t let contractors inspect your property if you’re not watching. Some unscrupulous companies will cause damage to drive up the repair cost, and your insurance company will likely not cover the additional cost.
- Don’t pay the whole repair bill in advance. Pay in full only when the work is completed according to your agreement.
File online complaint with Missouri Department of Insurance.
