Commissioner

Oxendine offers these reminders and tips:

While a standard

homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from high winds and tornadoes,

it does not cover damage from flooding. A separate policy must be purchased

through the National Flood Insurance Program, and can only be purchased

if your community participates in the national program. However, a standard

mobile home policy can cover damage caused by floods. Check your policy.

Make a list

of all valuables, furniture, electronics, etc., and photograph or videotape

your possessions. Keep copies of the list, photographs and videotape in

a safe place outside your home. If your home is damaged or destroyed in

a natural disaster, it may be difficult for you to tell your insurance

agent what you lost without proof.

Keep your

insurance policy numbers and your agent's phone number in a safe place

as well.

If disaster

strikes, contact your agent or insurance company immediately.

Protect your

property from further damage. For example, if your roof is damaged, cover

it with tarp to prevent water damage from subsequent rain. Most policies

will not cover such damage.

Make sure

you understand the difference between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement

cost coverage for your contents, and obtain the coverage that best suits

your needs. An ACV policy replaces contents at cost minus depreciation.

If you have replacement cost coverage, your contents will be replaced

at today's prices.

If you have

questions about property insurance, you may call a representative of Commissioner

Oxendine's Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll-free at

1-800-656-2298; for the hearing impaired call TDD# 404-656-4031. Phone

lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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