DawsonTimes.com

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine said violent weather that struck Georgia last Friday caused an estimated $60 million in insured losses. 

“That’s a preliminary figure from the insurance companies we’ve surveyed so far,” Oxendine said.  “It’s quite possible that more claims will come in, causing the number to rise.”

The Commissioner said storms that raged across Georgia on April 10 caused damage in the metro Atlanta area, Burke, Chattooga, Crisp, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Richmond, Stephens, and Sumter Counties. 

Georgians can call the Commissioner’s Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070 or, outside the Metro area, 1-800-656-2298, if they have questions about a claim, or if they are experiencing difficulty reaching their insurance company.  Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Consumers with damaged property can take the following steps to begin the claims-filing process:

            * Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage to either your house or car; do not delay.  Your agent should provide you with claims forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit your property or look at your automobile.

            * Secure your property.  For example, if your roof was damaged or blown off, or a tree has punctured the roof, cover the affected area with a tarp or plywood to protect your property from further damage.  Keep receipts of materials used for repairs; your insurance company will reimburse you for repair costs.