OHIO — While some Ohioans are still removing storm debris from the tornadoes that touched down last week, others are wading through receding flood water.

Storms left damage across the state, and the Ohio Department of Insurance is reaching out to ensure residents know the steps for recovery and resources available to them through the state.

The department said the first step for residents is to contact their insurance agent or company for the claim-filing process to begin, including with flood insurance. Generally, damage from water, hail, lightning, wind and tornadoes is covered through standard homeowners and renters insurance policies, after certain deductibles are met. 

Deductibles are a total amount of money paid out of pocket before insurance begins. Insurance for flood damage is covered through a separate flood insurance policy.

For insurance claims, the department said before removing debris, or broken belongings, that it is important to immediately document losses. This can be done by taking videos, photographs and compile a complete list. 

Temporary repairs can be made to help avoid furthur destruction of home or belongings, but do so safely. Professional assistance might be wise and the department said insurers will typically reimburse the cost of these repairs through the claim.

Claims need to be filed immediately as most insurers have certain time-frame deadlines. Insurers often send disaster response teams to the areas affected to help people assess damage, cut checks and start the claims process.

The department said it is important to provide complete and correct information to avoid delays with processing your claim. For those filing, have your insurance information, current contact information and home inventory on hand. Those who use different insurances for auto and home policies need to be filed with both companies.

Correspondences regarding insurance claims should be kept as well. Note the date, the name, title and contact who who you spoke with and what was discussed.

Insurance companies will assign claim adjusters to assess damages after a claim is filed. The adjusters will provide documentation of the loss to the insurer to determine the settlement of the claim. It is possible that more than one claims check could be given, with the first most likely to be an emergency advance. 

For those with mortgages, the payment for structural damage will be payable to residents and mortgage lenders. Lenders may put the funds into an escrow account and pay for repairs as the work is completed.

The department noted it is important to ask questions or voice concerns if there are any.

For hiring contractors, the department said to use a reputable company through lists provided by insurers, the Better Business Bureau or a specialized consumer organization.

Contractors that come unsolicited may be fraudulent and looking to scam storm recovery victims.

The Attorney General’s Office also cautions those beginning home repairs to use reputable contractors for the work. 

Ohioans can also use the department’s Severe Weather Preparation and Recovery Toolkit as a resource, which can be reached by clicking here.

For more information on insurance for floods, click here.