Insurers Open Several Mobile Claims Offices

Press Release

The state's major insurance companies have established various mobile claims centers across affected areas of the state to facilitate the handling of citizens' claims from Wednesday's storms, Governor Robert Bentley and Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling announced today.

Also, the Department of Insurance will staff its offices on Saturday and Sunday to handle inquiries from consumers.

"One of the major pieces of the recovery puzzle is the insurance industry's handling of claims their policyholders will be filing over the coming days and weeks," Governor Bentley said. "We appreciate the rapid response of these companies in putting boots on the ground to help expedite adjusting and processing these claims."

Commissioner Ridling encouraged companies to set up temporary service centers in places where companies had large concentrations of policyholders and in places that could be easily accessed by citizens in neighboring areas.

"The industry has been forced to be particularly nimble in this situation," Commissioner Ridling said. "When there is a hurricane in the Gulf, insurance companies are better prepared because it's a storm you can see coming for days. Companies mobilize resources nearby. With a tornado outbreak such as this, there is no lead time. The industry hustled to get this into place. If we determine that we need more resources in Alabama, we won't hesitate to ask for them.

"The bottom line is insurance exists because of events like this, and the obligation is there for industry to meet its promises according to the products it has sold. The Department of Insurance stands ready to facilitate the recovery and healing process as it relates to claims."

The Department of Insurance will be staffed from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The contact number is 334-269-3550. There are also email links and complaint forms available on the Department's website, www.aldoi.gov.

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