Insurance help offered to wind victims

State insurance commissioner says resources are available

“The state’s insurance commissioner says there are plenty of resources available to Island County homeowners who suffered damage during recent wind and rain storms.Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn announced this week that homeowners should call her office if they are unsure about coverage or feel they are not being properly served by their insurance company. She noted that wind damage is generally covered by homeowner policies but water damage and flooding may not be.The commissioner’s office has set up a toll-free consumer hot line at 1-800-562-6900 to handle questions, unusual problems or complaints. Homeowners can also request fact sheets on flood insurance and other insurance-related information by calling the same number or by visiting the office’s Web site at www.insurance.wa.gov.Generally speaking, Senn said a homeowner’s first call should be to his or her insurance agent. The agent can decide whether a claim form needs to be filled out prior to having an adjuster visit the home.Water damage done by rain that enters a home because of wind damage to windows, walls or roof will be covered by most policies. Flood damage, however, is covered by special flood insurance policies issued through a federal program. For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program call 1-800-611-6123. “