RICHMOND — The recent storms and tornadoes that struck portions of Virginia left a trail of destruction in their wake. Virginia Insurance Commissioner Jacqueline K. Cunningham encourages consumers who suffered damage to their homes, businesses or vehicles as a result of the recent storms to contact their insurance company or agent as soon as possible for help in determining the coverage that is available under their policy for the damaged property. The insurance company or agent will also be able to guide consumers through the process of filing a claim.

The State Corporation Commission's (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) can provide assistance to consumers who have problems contacting their insurance company or agent or have concerns about their insurance. Contact information for insurance companies and agents is available on the Bureau’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/ConsumerInquiry/CompanySearch.aspx (for insurance company lookup) or www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/ConsumerInquiry/ProducerSearch.aspx (for insurance agent lookup).

Commissioner Cunningham suggests taking pictures of damaged property, saving receipts for repair costs, and protecting your property from further damage. The Bureau offers free consumer guides offering tips on what to do when a disaster strikes. One guide is for homeowners and the other is for businesses. Both provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about settling disaster-related insurance problems. These guides are available on the Bureau’s website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/pubs.aspx.

The Bureau’s Property and Casualty Division stands ready to assist with insurance-related inquiries through its toll-free telephone number, 1-877-310-6560, or in Richmond at (804) 371-9185. Its 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.

Consumer complaints may be filed electronically through the Bureau's website at www.scc.virginia.gov/boi. The Bureau may also be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.virginia.gov. The Bureau's fax number is (804) 371-9349. 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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