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Georgia Insurance Commissioner Gives Tips for Possible Severe Weather

April 3rd, 2012

Last spring’s tornadoes and severe weather left many Georgians dealing with damage to their homes and property. This year, the state’s leading insurance official is encouraging people to be prepared if periods of extreme weather head our way again.

In the wake of a destructive storm, you’ll have an easier time filing an insurance claim for damaged property if you have an inventory of your belongings.

“You need to know what you have, and you need to know how to get in touch with your insurance company and how to get in touch with that agent,” says Ralph Hudgens, Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner.

He says photographing – or better yet videotaping – belongings beforehand is now more convenient with technology like smart phones.

“And then you need to secure what you can after the danger’s passed,” Hudgens says.

For instance, if you have a hole in your roof, Hudgens says to cover it with a tarp as soon as possible. That way, there will be no question about what’s covered and what’s not covered.

There’s also a common misconception:

“If there’s a flood in the area, your homeowners policy is not going to cover that loss,” he says. “You have to have flood insurance. And that’s a national program.”

A program your local agent can tell you more about, Hudgens says.