State Corporation Commission: SCC OFFERS ASSISTANCE IN THE WAKE OF RECENT STORMS AND TORNADOS

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION

April 30, 2008

Contact: Katha Treanor, 371-9141


RICHMOND — The aftermath of storms and tornados has left many Virginia residents injured or their homes, businesses or automobiles damaged. Virginia Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Gross recommends that consumers 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 can provide assistance to consumers who have problems contacting their insurance company or agent. Consumer guides offering tips on what to do when a disaster strikes may be obtained from the Bureau. Guides are available for homeowners and commercial 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 http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi.

The Bureau’s Property and Casualty and Life and Health Divisions are prepared to handle inquiries through a toll-free telephone number, 1-877-310-6560. 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. Consumer complaints may be filed electronically through the Bureau's website at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi. .

The Bureau may also be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.virginia.gov. The Bureau's fax number is (804) 371-9349. The SCC is located in the Tyler Building at 1300 East Main Street in downtown Richmond. Normal business hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Correspondence may be mailed to the Bureau at P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, Virginia 23218.