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ATLANTA, GA --
Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said investigators in his Consumer Services Division are standing by to assist consumers in storm-damaged areas of Georgia.

Hudgens said policyholders who need help with claims caused by yesterday’s violent weather can call his office for assistance at 1-800-656-2298, or in the Metro area at 404-656-2070.

Hudgens offers the following tips:

- 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 rain.  Most policies will not cover such damage.

- Keep an accurate record, including receipts for labor and material, of repair expenses.  Do not dispose of damaged property until it is examined by the insurance adjuster.

- A typical homeowner’s or commercial property policy does not cover removal of downed trees, unless the tree falls on a covered structure, such as the house.

- Hail damage to your car is typically covered by the comprehensive/collision portion of your automobile insurance policy; hail damage to your home – your roof, for example – is covered by your homeowners policy.

-  Policies will normally cover contents at their cash value, which means their used value; however, most companies offer a replacement cost option, which will pay for new items.