AID is ready to help property owners

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr today released the following statement reminding Arkansans that the Arkansas Insurance Department is ready to help all Arkansas property owners who may have suffered damage from the weekend’s severe weather:

“The severe weather this weekend was tough enough on Arkansans, but the aftermath of a property loss can be just as stressful.  I urge all Arkansans to contact AID with any questions or concerns about their insurance policies or how they can avoid falling prey to a scamming, storm chasing contractor wanting to pocket a check rather than help you rebuild.”

Kerr offers this checklist for Arkansas property owners who had damage to their homes, cars, or property:

• Your first call should be to your insurance agent or company.
• If you need help interpreting your insurance policy, AID’s Consumer Services Division is ready to help you.  Contact them at 800-852-5494.
• Never let a contractor tell you what is in your insurance policy.
• Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.  Ask them if they are insured and/or bonded and verify their insurance certificate.
• Get more than one estimate for repairs.

Kerr also reminds Arkansans of the need for flood insurance, which is not typically covered in a homeowner’s policy.  This weekend’s storms should serve as a reminder to prepare for the next round of storms.  If you are interested in purchasing flood insurance, visit http://FloodSmart.gov.  Any new flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.

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