—Ohioans from Cleveland to Cincinnati and Toledo to Marietta are still digging out from this week’s winter storm that dropped ice and snow across the most of the state.  As we begin to assess the damage to our homes and vehicles, Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor is offering some tips to help Ohioans speed up the insurance claims process to begin repairing their homes and/or vehicles.  A severe weather informational toolkit is available here.

 

“The storm damaged homes and caused car accidents all over the state,” Director Taylor said.  “Many insurance adjusters are already aiding consumers with claims and repairs, but we want to remind Ohioans who may have questions about the claims process that they can call the Department’s Consumer Hotline .  Our staff of insurance professionals is prepared to answer their insurance questions.”

 

The Ohio Department of Insurance offers these tips to consumers when filing a claim for their home and/or automobile:

 

CLAIM TIPS FOR HOME DAMAGE

• Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
• Without putting yourself in danger, try to protect your property and salvage what you can.
• Closely inspect property for damage.  Note and photograph any damage and losses. This will assist in settling claims.
• Be sure your agent knows how to contact you if you cannot stay in your home.
• If required to seek temporary housing, check your policy for “loss of use” coverage. Many policies cover such expenses up to a stated amount.
• Be sure everything is considered in the claim. Back up claims with written estimates.

 

CLAIMS TIPS FOR AUTOMOBILE DAMAGE

• Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
• Provide photos of accident scene/damage to your agent.
• Provide contact information of others involved in the accident as well as any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
• Provide a copy of police report to your insurance agent or company.

If consumers have questions about their insurance coverage, they can call the Department’s toll-free consumer hotline . The Department’s website at also has valuable information regarding all types of insurance, including auto and homeowners.

 

 

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