By Ken Selzer, CPA, Commissioner of Insurance
Most Kansans realize that March through September are the storm-season months in our state. Living in Kansas can mean beautiful sunsets and wonderful views, but it can also mean damaging winds, hail, flooding, earthquakes and tornadoes.
Our staff at the Kansas Insurance Department has the following checklist for situations before or after a weather event strikes. Since the basis for insurance is managing risk, we want you to be prepared.
• Having the proper insurance coverage for your property is your best protection against damage caused by natural disasters. Check with your insurance agent or company about the proper limits for coverage, and make sure you update them as your needs grow.
• Make a personal home inventory before disaster strikes to keep track of your belongings. You can download the My Home Scr.App.book mobile application on your smartphone or tablet, where you can store photos of your items. Inventory booklets are also available for download on our Kansas Insurance Department website. See our department video on YouTube or Facebook for more information.
• Contact your insurance agent company immediately to report losses. Get instructions from your company’s adjuster before repairing or replacing damaged property. Remember: Your insurance company’s visual inspection of your loss may be required before claims are paid.
• Make temporary or emergency repairs only as needed to protect your property from further damage. Take photos of the damaged property first.
• Take notes about your conversation with your insurance company representative. Write down the time and date, the representative’s name and a summary of the call.
• Be wary of questionable or unfamiliar contractors. Get more than one bid, and hire a local, reputable contractor to make the repairs.
• If you must move out of your home, keep your receipts for hotel bills and meals. Your policy may reimburse you for these additional living expenses.
• Finally, don’t accept an unfair settlement. If you can’t reach an agreement with your insurance company, call the Kansas Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Hotline at 800-432-2484.
Knowing these tips ahead of time can provide peace of mind when a weather event occurs.
Look for more tips about coverage before and after the storm on our website,
www.ksinsurance.org; through our publications listed there; and on Facebook at www.facebook/KansasInsuranceDepartment. Our department booklet “Homeowners and Renters Insurance and Shopper’s Guide” also has some useful information regarding claims. You can print that from our website.
Ken Selzer is the Kansas Insurance Commissioner