08-17-2026 Gov. Braun Moves to Protect Storm Victims from Losing Insurance Coverage, Expands Emergency Housing Assistance

Gov. Braun Moves to Protect Storm Victims from Losing Insurance Coverage, Expands Emergency Housing Assistance

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun has taken additional action today to protect Hoosier homeowners as the state of Indiana responds to historic flooding and storm damage.

At Gov. Braun's direction, the Commissioner of Insurance has issued a bulletin calling on insurance companies to protect Hoosiers from unforeseen drops in coverage. The bulletin calls on insurance companies to implement a 60-day moratorium on the cancellation of any insurance policy in effect for any policyholder directly affected by the disaster events outlined in the governor's statewide disaster emergency declaration. It also calls for a suspension of any penalties Hoosiers may face for late payments.

"Hoosiers who have had their lives turned upside down by these storms should not have to worry about their insurance being canceled while they're trying to get back on their feet," said Gov. Braun. "I urge insurance companies to protect coverage for impacted Hoosiers for the next 60 days and suspend penalties for late payments. This will give families much-needed breathing room to recover."

Gov. Braun also announced today that emergency housing assistance will be available for Hoosiers displaced from their homes as a direct result of the disaster. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will provide the assistance in the form of emergency hotel vouchers and disaster rental assistance.

Emergency hotel vouchers are direct payments to hotels and motels for a period not to exceed 30 days to provide interim housing. Disaster rental assistance provides direct payments to landlords for application fees, security deposits, and short-term rental assistance for affected persons who need to move into a new rental unit.

A referral must be made to IHCDA to receive this assistance. Households in need of assistance should call Indiana 2-1-1 or 1-800-RED-CROSS. Both organizations will refer assistance requests to IHCDA.

In addition to these actions, the Governor shared several helpful pieces of information for homeowners who have storm damage.

Gov. Braun urged Hoosier homeowners to follow these key guidelines from the Indiana Department of Insurance:

• Once it's safe, document damages and make a list of losses.
• Contact your insurance agent and share information on the state of your property.
• Avoid water in your home as it can be contaminated and dangerous to your health.
• If you must engage with standing water in your home, shut off all electricity beforehand.

He also provided Hoosiers with a list of questions for homeowners to ask their insurance companies, as well as tips on what to do about flooding and what to know about flood insurance. That list can be found here.

Homeowners may also be at risk of falling prey to scammers taking advantage of the disaster emergency.

The Indiana Department of Insurance is working with the Office of the Attorney General to provide Hoosiers with information about what is covered by their insurance, what to do if they don't have insurance, and how to avoid scammers.

Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips to help Hoosiers stay vigilant and avoid storm-related scams:

• Be skeptical of anyone offering immediate cleanup or repair services without proper vetting.
• Know the facts: FEMA does not charge application fees. If someone demands payment to help you access FEMA funds, it's likely a scam.
• Research contractors: Check reputations through references, online reviews, or the Better Business Bureau before hiring.
• Verify credentials: Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof that the contractor is bonded and insured.
• Get multiple estimates: Compare offers to ensure fair pricing and scope of work.
• Insist on written agreements: Don't trust verbal promises. Get everything in writing.
• Avoid risky payments: Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash, and never pay the full amount upfront.

If you suspect a scam, Attorney General Rokita encourages you to file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call his office at 1-800-382-5516.

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