Oklahoma: Fires Impact Insurance, Commissioner Offers Help

Dry weather and high winds have intensified the danger of wild fires across Oklahoma. As of Dec. 28, all 77 counties in Oklahoma are under a burn ban issued by Gov. Brad Henry.

“With the increased likelihood of fire, it is imperative that Oklahomans make sure their homeowners insurance policies are up to date and current,” said Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland.

Those who need to file insurance claims should contact their agents as quickly as possible following home damage to begin the process. Anyone who is in need of further explanation or assistance regarding their policies is encouraged to contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-522-0071.

“I feel for those whose homes and businesses have been damaged by these fires. I commend the firefighters and volunteers that have been working tirelessly to protect Oklahomans and their property,” stated Holland.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website has a home inventory checklist that can be a useful tool for homeowners and renters. The form can be used to determine insurance needs before a crisis and is crucial in assisting the filing of homeowner claims – it can be easily printed from the website.

Holland encourages all Oklahomans to keep records of the belongings in their home and to discuss their coverage thoroughly with their agent. Completing your home inventory checklist and reviewing it with your agent before a disaster strikes can simplify the claims process in the event of a loss. This will provide a clearer idea of the replacement cost for items included in your homeowners policy.

Homeowners should also videotape their household belongings to provide a visual record in the event that their home is destroyed or damaged, as it is difficult to remember items after they are lost.

“It is critical that Oklahomans keep an updated home inventory to protect themselves in the unfortunate case that they need to file an insurance claim as a result of fire damage,” added Holland.

Source: Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner news release

Posted: Friday, December 30, 2005 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Thursday, January 12, 2006 3:54:14 PM.

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