RELEASE DATE: May 2, 2002

For information: Mary Bonelli/Mitch Wilson, OII, 614-228-1593
After hours: Mary - 614-443-0400; Mitch - 614-868-0575

INSURANCE TIPS & TOLL-FREE COMPANY NUMBERS TO ASSIST IN FILING STORM LOSSES

COLUMBUS-Severe storms and tornadoes have ravaged many portions of Ohio this week. To assist affected Ohioans, the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) provides the following tips, along with a list of insurance company toll-free phone numbers and Web sites to ease claims filing and insurance coverage concerns. If you experienced losses, OII recommends you contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible.

HOMEOWNERS/RENTERS INSURANCE COVERAGE

Renters and homeowners are protected by the insurance policy's "windstorm" peril coverage from high wind, hail and tornado losses. Renters have coverage for their belongings damaged by this peril, while home owners normally have protection for both the structure (home and detached garages or sheds) and its contents. Coverage amounts have been selected by the policyholder and are limited to those specified on the declarations page of the policy. And remember all policies carry a deductible - an amount the policyholder agrees to pay for a loss.

• Debris removal coverage
  Typical costs associated with removing fallen trees is covered up to a $500 max under the following circumstances:
  • Tree(s) were uprooted due to windstorm AND
  • Downed tree(s) damaged a covered structure on your property, like the home's roof, garage or shed.
    NOTE: Check with your agent or insurance company representative as some companies have broadened debris removal coverage to:
  • Increase removal limits to $1,000 (limit of $500/tree)
  • Include fallen tree(s) that don't damage a covered structure but do block driveways or handicap access ways.
• Tree/shrub damage
  Damage to the residence's trees, shrubs, plants and lawn are NOT COVERED from damage caused by wind or hail. Coverage is provided for damage from fire, lightning, explosion, vandalism, and other selected perils. Normally, the coverage limit is 5% of the dwelling amount, but limited to $500 for any one tree, shrub or plant.
• Lightning strikes
  If lightning strikes a tree and it falls on your home or property, debris removal coverage applies.
• Temporary repairs
  Costs incurred from taking measures to protect against further damage (plastic/wood over damaged roofs and windows) are normally reimbursable under the homeowners policy. Be sure to save these receipts.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COVERAGE

Vehicles listed on your auto policy are protected by the "other than collision" (comprehensive) coverage if damaged by wind or tornadoes. If your vehicle is damaged by a fallen tree, this "other than collision" coverage for that vehicle applies - regardless of tree ownership. Remember that your deductible applies. The OII recommends that when severe weather threatens, try to get your car under cover - like in a garage or carport - to prevent damage from high winds, flying debris and hail.

For additional information about filing claims and home repair tips, contact the OII at 614-228-1593.

Some insurance companies have catastrophe teams and/or field representatives in the storm-damaged area to expedite the claims process and to assess damages. Some companies are processing claims through local agencies and offices, and through their Web sites. For companies not listed, contact OII at 614-228-1593.

• Allstate Insurance: 800-547-8676 or online at www.allstate.com
• American Commerce Insurance Company: 877-224-5677
• American Family Insurance Group: 800-374-1111
• American National Property/Casualty Ins. Companies: 800-333-2860
• Auto Owners: 888-841-6473
• Buckeye Insurance Group: 800-672-3558
• Central Mutual Insurance Company: 888-263-2924 or fax 800-736-7026
• Century Surety Group: 800-850-0422 or online at www.centurysurety.com
• Chubb Insurance: 800-252-4670 or online at www.chubb.com
• Cincinnati Equitable Insurance Company: 800-536-6663
• Cincinnati Insurance: Contact your insurance agent directly to file a claim
• Country Mutual Insurance Company: 800-776-2864
• Crum & Forster Insurance Company: 800-777-2786
• EMC-Hamilton Mutual Insurance Group: 800-732-5595
• Encompass/CNA Insurance Group: 800-588-7400
• Erie Insurance Group: 800-282-1702 or online at www.erieinsurance.com
• Farmers Insurance: 800-833-5434 or www.farmersinsurance.com
• German Mutual Insurance Company: 800-597-0140
• Grange Insurance: 800-445-3030
• Great American Insurance Company: 800-348-4269
• GreatLand Insurance: 800-753-6737
• Guide One/Personal Service Insurance Company: 800-282-9416
• Hanover/Citizens Insurance Company: 800-628-0250
  
• Harleysville/Great Oaks Insurance Company: 800-892-8877
  
• Highlands Insurance Group (Northwestern National): 877-444-5263
  
• Indiana/GRE Insurance Group: 888-473-0005
  
• Liberty Mutual: 800-896-7222 or online at www.libertymutual.com
  
• Metropolitan Property/Casualty Insurance Co.: 800-854-6011
  
• Mennonite Mutual Insurance Company: 800-678-6885
  
• Miami Insurance Group: 800-686-9094.
  
• Motorists Insurance Group: 800-876-2576
  
• Nationwide: 800-421-3535 or online at www.nationwide.com
  
• Ohio Casualty Group: 800-366-6446 or online at www.ocas.com
  
• Ohio Mutual Insurance Group: 888-895-7725
  
• Progressive Insurance Group: 800-274-4499 or online at www.personal.progressive.com
  
• Safeco-American States Insurance: 888-332-3226 or online at www.safeco.com
  
• State Auto Insurance Companies: 800-766-1853 or online at www.stateauto.com
  
• State Farm: 800-732-5246 or online at www.statefarm.com
  
• Travelers Property/Casualty Insurance Group: Home & auto-800-252-4633 / Business-800-235-6225,
  or online at www.travelers.com
  
• USAA Insurance Group: 800-531-8222 or online at www.usaa.com
  
• Wayne Mutual Insurance Company: 800-222-3873
  
• Western Reserve Insurance Company: 800-362-0426
  
• Westfield Group: Contact your insurance agent directly to file a claim or call 800-443-3311

The Ohio Insurance Institute is a public information and trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry. A primary objective of the OII is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and related safety issues.