North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has announced the opening of a Victim Assistance Center (VAC) to help aid those impacted by flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal.
Representatives from NCDOI will be on hand to aid those in need of insurance-related support from the storm.
The VAC will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 at the cul-de-sac near 510 Seven Oaks Road in Durham. Commissioner Causey and State Senator Sophia Chitlik will be present.
“The VAC will help to give in-person and on-the-ground recovery assistance and provide insurance-related support to those directly impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal,” Commissioner Causey said.
Chantal brough heavy rains and flash flooding to the central part of the state. Rain from Chantal led to the Eno River rising to the highest heights ever recorded, with over 130 people rescued in Chapel Hill and in northern Durham. At least five fatalities have been blamed on the storm.
Commissioner Causey reminds North Carolinians of the steps they can take in the event their property suffered storm damage.
“There are steps victims of storms should take to take to ensure further damage does not occur and to help make sure their insurance company has the information and documentation it needs,” Commissioner Causey said.
Here are some things you should do immediately after the storm:
· Contact your homeowners’ insurance agent or company to report the loss. Even if you have a separate windstorm or hail policy in addition to your homeowners’ policy, your primary homeowners’ insurer will investigate and adjust the claim even if you have wind or hail loss. Be patient as the insurer will likely be dealing with many claims.
· Make a list of the damages and take clear pictures or videos to document the damage before you make any temporary repairs.
· Do what you can to stop further damage from happening. For instance, place a tarp on your roof to prevent water from coming into the house. Keep receipts because your reasonable expenses to protect your property are part of the loss and may be reimbursed by your insurance company.
· Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage and you have agreed on the cost of the repairs. Check with your insurance company before you dispose of damaged materials or items.
· If your home is uninhabitable, check with your insurance company to determine which expenses will be reimbursed.
· Sadly, fraud is very common after a big storm. Commissioner Causey encourages storm victims to avoid roofing and contractor scams by only working with licensed and insured contractors. Our NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division has a staff of Special Agents who investigate insurance fraud daily.
For more information on how to be prepared before, during and after any storm, visit www.ncdoi.gov/disaster or contact the NCDOI Consumer Services Division at 1-855-408-1212.