Department of Insurance Reaches Out to Victims of Storm Damage

SPRINGFIELD, IL. -- Following the recent severe weather and storm damage in Central Illinois, the Illinois Department of Insurance assisted Illinois residents by visiting tornado-ravaged sights throughout the area.

"The men and women of the Department of Insurance, as well as the Governor's office and every state agency, have been dedicated to helping the people and communities hit by this storm get back on their feet as soon as possible," said Fernando E. Grillo, Secretary-designate of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which the Department of Insurance is scheduled to join July 1. "Our efforts and our prayers are with our neighbors in LaSalle, Putnam and Will counties."

Department of Insurance (DOI) staff went to the disaster sites in Granville, Utica and Joliet to assist residents with insurance claims, Acting Director Deirdre Manna said.

"But our job is not yet done - we remain committed to helping the policyholders affected by these disasters," she said.

Illinois homeowners and commercial property owners who have suffered storm related property damage can turn to the DOI website for information on submitting insurance claims. The consumer-friendly site allows policyholders' access to information on how to file an insurance claim; view most commonly asked questions; look up key insurance terms; or file a complaint with the DOI against an insurance company or agent while on-line. Consumers can access this disaster assistance at www.ins.state.il.us/HomeInsurance/disaster.htm or contact Manna directly at: director@ins.state.il.us.

"Disaster victims are understandably overwhelmed after a property loss," said Manna. "The first few weeks are the most critical in the insurance process. Our disaster guide gives consumers a simple blueprint of what to expect."

The question and answer guide walks consumers through issues that most commonly surface in the aftermath of a disaster including issues involving property damage and loss of life. The site also explains the responsibilities of insurance agents, insurance companies and insured individuals relating to the repair or replacement of property.

For more specific questions, or for those who do not have access to the Internet, consumers can still call the Department toll free at 1-866-445-5364. Department staff can provide personal assistance to consumers including callers who require Spanish and Polish interpretation.