RICHMOND — The series of deadly storms that struck much of the Mid-Atlantic last week left 12 people in Virginia dead and extensive damage in their wake.

Virginia Insurance Commissioner Jacqueline K. Cunningham advises consumers to contact their insurance company or agent as soon as possible for help in determining the coverage that is available under their policies for homes, businesses and vehicles that were damaged during the storms. The insurance company or agent also will be able to guide consumers through the process of filing a claim.

Contact information for insurance companies and agents is available on the State Corporation Commission's (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) website at:

Commissioner Cunningham recommends taking pictures of damaged property, saving receipts for repair costs, and protecting your property from further damage. The Bureau offers free consumer insurance guides on a variety of topics including disaster guides for homeowners and businesses. The disaster guides provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about settling disaster-related insurance problems and are available on the Bureau’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/pubs.aspx.

The Bureau reminds Virginia policyholders that, in addition to coverage for property damage, property policies may include coverage for debris removal and additional living expenses. Check your insurance policy or contact your agent or your insurance company to discuss what coverage you have available.

The Bureau’s Property and Casualty Division stands ready to assist Virginians with any questions they may have regarding damage to their property as a result of the recent storms. Virginia policyholders who have questions about their homeowners, mobile home, automobile or business policies or an insurer’s handling of their claim are encouraged to call the Bureau through its toll-free (more) - 2 - telephone number – 1-877-310-6560 – or in Richmond at (804) 371-9185. The Bureau’s specially trained staff can help consumers with their insurance questions and concerns and can offer tips to help consumers expedite the processing of claims with their insurance company. The Bureau also may be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.virginia.gov. The Bureau's fax number is (804) 371-9349. Consumer complaints may be filed electronically through the Bureau's website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi. Consumers who are hearing or speech impaired may call the SCC's Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDD) at (804) 371-9206.

Correspondence may be mailed to the Bureau at P. O. Box 1157, Richmond, Virginia 23218. The SCC is located at 1300 East Main Street in downtown Richmond. Normal business hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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