Sandra Masin: Representative Minnesota House District 52A
Volunteer
Contribute
» Return
This article was originally posted on 09-03-2013
Help for Hail and Storm Damage - Update from Rep. Sandra Masin


Dear Neighbors and Friends,

I know the recent storms caused some very serious damage in our area. For those who may be dealing with damage to their homes, cars, or other possessions, there is information below from the Department of Commerce on steps to take to handle the situation.


I know how hard it can be to get the needed repairs done after a storm like this, so please let me know if you have any issues that I can help with.

Sandra Masin


Department of Commerce

Cracked windshields and dinged roof shingles can cause major headaches. After last night's storms, many areas of Minnesota were hit with hail leaving damaged homes and vehicles. The Department of Commerce reminds consumers to review their auto and homeowners policy, contact their insurance agent, document property damage, and visit Commerce's Disaster Information Center.

Storm Damage to Vehicles
Hail can damage the exterior and glass. Coverage for these types of losses is provided by your policy under the "Comprehensive" portion of the auto policy. Some policies call this coverage "Other than Collision".

How to File and Settle a Claim

  1. Call your agent or the claims processing center listed on your "Minnesota Insurance Identification Card."
  2. Document the damage with photos.
  3. Obtain estimates from repair facilities. Your insurance company may want more than one estimate including one from their preferred facility or claims center

Learn more about how to file and settle your auto claim here.


Repairing Your Vehicle

  • If the repair estimates are less than the value of the auto, the insurer will likely proceed to pay for the repairs. Generally repair of the auto is made by using parts of the same year and manufacturer as the damaged auto (used parts). You cannot be required to accept "after-market parts".
  • You may choose your own repair facility. However, if that facility is not the low estimate, you may be responsible for paying the difference.
  • If the windshield and windows are damaged, original equipment glass is not required to affect replacement.
  • Hail damage can be repaired using the dent-less paint repair procedure. If the procedure does not repair the damage, replacement of the damaged parts would be required.
  • Can I ask for cash in lieu of repair? Yes, if you don't have a lien holder. However, the insurance company may subtract the profit/overhead that is in the bid of the repair facility. (You can't profit from a claim).

Determining the Market Value of a Totaled Vehicle

If the estimate of repair is close to the market value of your auto, the insurance company will begin to consider declaring it a total loss.

Minnesota law requires insurance companies to pay "the cost of a comparable auto, adjusted for mileage, condition and options in the local market place of the insured" (with all applicable taxes and license fees). Usually this is determined by checking internet sources such as CarSoup.com, cars.com, AutoTrader.com and the local newspaper. An insurance company can obtain a market survey of recent sales of comparable autos from a vendor.

If you disagree with your insurance company over the market value of your totaled vehicle, check with them about whether you can request the "appraisal process." Both you and the insurance company hire appraisers. If the two appraisers can't agree, they jointly hire an umpire to make the decision. You pay for your own appraiser and one-half of the umpire fee.


The Claims Process for Hail Damage - Homeowner's Insurance - Are you Covered? info

If you have suffered a loss, here are questions you should ask and things you should know before you file a claim.


Am I Covered?
Homeowners policies do not always have the same coverages. It is very important to read your policy to determine what is covered, and the level of coverage that exists. If you cannot locate your policy, contact your insurance agent or company immediately. Your agent or company will usually be able to address your questions quickly and accurately. Many companies have Disaster Claim Teams that have been sent to the area.

The standard homeowners insurance coverage will cover most of your loss that would occur in windstorm or hail. However, most policies have deductibles that will apply. Coverage will usually cover the replacement cost for the damaged portion of your home, including any upgrades that are required by local codes when damage is repaired. Most contracts cover the expense of debris removal from you home. This coverage is usually provided in addition to the policy limit restriction that applies to the repair of the damage to your home or garage.

Even if fully insured for all perils, some losses will not be covered: Cost of tree and debris removal when structures unharmed, Undamaged property, siding or shingles, Damage to property not involving structures.


What Can I Expect?
The claims settlement statutes dictate that companies must handle claims in a responsive manner. However, some of the time frames that are established in the law allow a company up to 60 days to respond to some issues. Most companies will be much more responsive than that. You can expect responses to most of your concerns or problems within a day or two. Though it is not required, some companies have set up programs that allow their on-site adjusters to issue checks in advance to cover some of the additional living expenses and replacement of some essential person property. Once you have made contact with your company adjuster, ask him/her about the availability of such programs.


We Can Help
If you have a problem with your insurance company, call our Consumer Response Team (CRT). You can reach a CRT representative between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Phone: (651) 539-1600 or (800) 657-3602 (Greater Minnesota)

Email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us

Address:
Minnesota Department of Commerce,
Consumer Protection and Education Division
85 7th Place East, St. Paul, MN 55101

If you are unable to resolve a problem or complaint with your insurance company, the CRT may be able to help. The Minnesota Department of Commerce investigates written complaints against licensees. Investigations seek to determine if there has been a violation of current Minnesota statutes or rules. If a violation has occurred, administrative sanctions (license revocation, fines, etc.) may be taken. The Department attempts to secure the payment of claims or obtain refunds for consumers who have been victimized by licensee misconduct. When filing a complaint: Write, in your own words, the details of the dispute, include as many details as possible such as dates, what was said, policy and claim numbers, etc. Provide copies of relevant documents. Include your phone number and return address.


» Return

You can help!



Put a SIGN in your yard!

 

Your VOICE IS IMPORTANT!
VOTE!
The PRIMARY Election will be held on August 9, 2023. It is important that you vote on this date to affirm your choice of candidate in the GENERAL election in November.
 
The 2023 GENERAL Elections will be held on November 7, 2023.
 

Please tell us what issues are important to you. We would love to know...

Copyright ©   Re-Elect Sandra Masin Campaign, All Rights Reserved.
Prepared and Paid for by the Masin Campaign Committee, P.O. Box 21523, Eagan MN 55121
»Legal
»Privacy Policy