Insurers Focused on Helping Impacted Residents Recover from Destructive Tornadoes; Industry Experts Provide Coverage & Claims Information

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Insurers are focused on helping their policyholders begin the claims and recovery process after tornadoes and severe weather caused significant destruction in Mississippi communities, says the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). APCIA urges residents who experienced damage to their home, business, or vehicle to contact their insurer as soon as they can safely do so.

"Following the terrible extreme weather events in Mississippi this week, insurers are ready to help their policyholders begin the recovery process," said Chase Mitchell, assistant vice president of state government relations at APCIA. "The first step toward recovery is filing your insurance claim, so please contact your insurer as soon as possible if your home, business, or property was damaged."

To help impacted residents begin the recovery process, APCIA is answering common questions related to insurance after a disaster:

My home was damaged or destroyed. What should I do now?

• Reachout to your insurer or agent as soon as you can safely do so to file a claim. Insurers can be reached 24-7 through their toll-free claims number or via text, app, or website.
• Secure your property from further damage or theft, if possible.
• Make a list of what was lost or damaged and photograph or video the damage to provide to your insurance adjuster. Compile as many receipts, descriptions, and photos of your home's contents as you can.
• Be aware of some unscrupulous contractors, attorneys, other third parties seeking to involve themselves with the insurance claims and damage repair process following a natural disaster . It is important to carefully consider any proposals from contractors, public adjusters, and lawyers offering to help with the insurance claim and damage repair process. Before signing any contracts, call your insurer first to report the damage and get your claim started.

Is damage to my home, business, and vehicle covered by insurance?

• Damage associated with severe weather events, like tornadoes, is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy.
• Damage to a vehicle is typically covered if the policyholder's auto policy includes comprehensive insurance coverage.

What if I cannot live in my home due to damage or because it is being repaired?

• Ask your insurer if your policy covers additional living expenses, which can help pay for things like temporary housing, meals, and laundry.
• Keep all receipts for such expenses so you can discuss them with the adjuster.

I have reported my claim; now what should I do?

• Take steps to prevent further damage. However, do not attempt permanent repairs or dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster can see it to assess the extent of your damages. If debris is dangerous, homeowners should carefully document their losses and then dispose of the debris.
• Photograph or video any perishable items and retain all receipts for emergency repairs and additional living costs to substantiate claims.

"If you have questions or concerns about your coverage, you can contact both your insurer and your state department of insurance," added Mitchell. "Unfortunately, some opportunistic contractors, attorneys, and other third parties often prey on storm victims, so it's important to watch out for bad actors looking to make money off your situation."