Illinois, Iowa Join Indiana in Moratorium on Policy Cancellations

The Illinois and Iowa Insurance Departments have implemented a 60-day moratorium on the cancellation and nonrenewal of insurance policies for people who live in counties affected by the recent storms and flooding. Indiana made its announcement on a moratorium on June 18 and included some agent licensing renewal requirements in the bulletin.

One insurance trade group says insurers are strongly supporting the regulators’ decisions regarding the moratorium.

“We understand that residents are trying to get their lives back in order and this is one of the many things the insurance industry is doing to help,” said Greg LaCost assistant vice president and regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). “Insurers are focusing all of their efforts in helping those affected by this disaster begin the process of recovery. In addition to sending out an army of claims adjusters, the industry is reaching out to policyholders to open up the communications process and get payments into the hands of customers. We are also working very closely with commissioners Michael McRaith of Illinois, Jim Atterholt of Indiana and Susan Voss of Iowa to ensure we are all focused on taking the appropriate steps to protect the public and serve as a catalyst for rebuilding.”

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America offers the following tips to help salvage your home or business and minimize further damage that has resulted from the storms and floods.

– First and foremost, if holes have been torn in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible so that wind and rain don’t cause further damage. Keep all receipts for anything you buy for that purpose so you can submit them to your insurance company later.

– Report all damage to your insurance company or agent as soon as you can. To settle your claim more quickly and accurately, it will help if you have as much information as possible about your damaged possessions when your insurance adjuster comes to look at your property.

– Make a list of damaged items. If possible, put together a set of records, such as receipts, bills and photographs, to establish the age of everything that needs to be replaced or repaired. Identify the structural damage to your home and make a list of everything you would like to show the adjuster.

– Don’t throw out damaged furniture or other expensive items. The adjuster will want to see them. It also is a good idea to take photographs of the damage before you start cleaning it up.

If you have been affected by flooding in your home, there are certain things you can do to minimize the damage:

– Shovel or scrape the mud off your floors, furniture and walls before the mud dries. Then hose down the walls with clean water, starting from the ceiling.

– Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, can be washed and dried completely. In most cases, they will not be damaged unless they were operating at the time the water covered them.

– Diluted chlorine bleach can be used to clean household items, appliances, walls and floors. This also will help control odors.

– Wood furniture should be dried outdoors, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.

– A flooded basement should be pumped gradually to prevent structural damage. Pump out about a third of the water per day.

– Food utensils and equipment should be washed thoroughly and sterilized before you use them. Any food that is open and exposed to flood waters should be discarded.

Source: Property Casualty Insurers Association of America