Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Urges Consumers To Prepare For Weather-Related Disasters

The Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner has outlined the best strategies for the state's consumers when facing property recovery woes in a new department brochure entitled "Insurance Consumer Alert". M. Diane Koken's concerns follow the aftermath of the weather-related disasters from El Nino in other parts of the United States.

"It is critical that consumers educate themselves and review their insurance policies to avoid problems with insurance coverage when disaster strikes," said Koken, noting that consumers first need to ensure they have the appropriate coverage for their home or business. "Thousands of Pennsylvanians have little or no insurance for certain weather catastrophes," she noted, instructing consumers to visit a variety of insurance agents about possible gaps in current coverage and the different policies available to them.

Although Pennsylvania has been spared the widely destructive impact of El Nino, the Commissioner reminded residents that severe weather can strike at any time. "The lessons we learned during the devastation from the storms and flooding of 1996 are still fresh in our minds," Koken said.

The first step in avoiding catastrophic property losses is to plan for a future claim, Koken suggested, instructing Pennsylvanians to take an inventory of their properties, noting model and serial numbers and storing the information in a safe deposit box or with a relative.

Koken also cautioned consumers to be aware of home-repair con artists. "Unfortunately, after a natural disaster strikes, homeowners also must be on guard against fly-by-night operators who promise repairs, but are there only to take your money," she said. "Whether you are picking up the pieces after a storm or just planning some spring repairs around the house, only use reputable firms with a verified track record."

Last year, the department responded to more than 21,000 written complaints from consumers and recovered more than $7 million from insurance companies on behalf of Pennsylvania consumers.