Oklahoma Insurance Claims from May Tornadoes Top 70,000
Payments Reach $561,976,781
At Firestorm, we urge you to remember that “Every Crisis is a Human Crisis.” For us, 70,782 claims represent 70,782 families and people adversely affected by this most recent outbreak.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Insurance claims filed in response to a major tornado outbreak in May jumped to 70,782 Tuesday, with insurance payments reaching $561,976,781.
“These numbers are more proof of the dramatic impact the tornadoes had on our state,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Thousands of Oklahomans are now in the process of rebuilding their lives. Insurance can help them do that and I am glad to see that so many of the victims were insured. But the claims process can be complicated. My office is ready to assist consumers in any way possible.”
May 19th & 20th Tornadoes
Type of Claim Claims Received Payments Made
Homeowners 17,182 $374,144,234
Private Auto 21,218 $61,427,445
Commercial Property 993 $18,727,906
Commercial Auto 457 $1,450,418
Other 415 $3,216,276
May 30th & 31th Tornadoes
Type of Claim Claims Received Payments Made
Homeowners 16,626 $62,945,489
Private Auto 10,475 $19,067,584
Commercial Property 1,557 $10,600,186
Commercial Auto 306 $1,459,668
Other 391 $1,360,596
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) will hold a series of educational forums for storm victims. The weekly forums, which begin Tuesday, allow impacted Oklahomans to ask questions and receive assistance with insurance-related issues.
OID experts will discuss various topics including; how to file a claim, what to do if your claim is denied, how to file a complaint and how to spot fraud. Attendees will also be able to ask questions about individual insurance concerns.
“Recovering From a Disaster Insurance Forums”
All events are 6:00-7:00pm
June 18th –Shawnee, Shawnee City Hall
June 24th – Little Axe, Little Axe High School
July 2nd – Carney, Carney Community Center
July 9th – Moore, Community Christian Church
July 16th – El Reno, El Reno High School
OID consumer assistance representatives are stationed at Westmoore High School Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Help is also available by calling 1-800-522-0071.
For more information contact: Kelly Collins (405) 522-0683 or [email protected]
If you are a victim of tornado or severe weather damage, the following advice for dealing with damage should be taken:
What to Do if Your Home is Damaged:
Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and all relevant information as soon as possible. Cooperate fully with your company or agent, asking what forms, documents and data you will need to provide in order to process your claim.
- Take photos or video of the damage.
- Make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage to the property (for instance, covering broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls), but do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement with them on the cost of appropriate repairs.
- Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs that might be covered by your insurance policy.
- If your home is damaged to the extent that it is unlivable, ask your insurance provider if you have coverage for living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.
What Damage to Your Home is Covered?
Damages caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure are covered under most standard homeowners policies. However, you should review your individual insurance contract to determine specific coverage and exclusions. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company for clarification with specific questions.
What Damage to Your Home is Not Covered?
The following weather-related events are usually not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies:
- Interior storm-water damage when there was no damage to the home’s roof or walls
- Flood damages
- Removal of fallen trees from the property, unless those trees land on and damage the roof and walls of the home
- Food spoilage due to power outages
- Water damage from backed-up drains or sewers