Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) have issued a joint statement advising homeowners in the state to be vigilant as they have their properties repaired by contractors.
"Following the impacts of powerful tornados causing devastation to homes in the Southeast, dishonest contractors will work to defraud individuals in their time of need," said NICB president and CEO David Glawe in a statement. “We know residents want to get back on their feet, but this is not a time to let your guard down. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these criminals."
"Unfortunately, bad actors know to target victims at their most vulnerable, such as after a storm-related loss," added King. "Beware of anyone who shows up at your home or place of business immediately after a storm. Your first call after a disaster should be to your insurance company to file a claim. Whether it's a contractor or public adjuster, do your research and verify credentials before signing any contracts or agreeing to any services."
The advisory comes after the state of Georgia – along with Mississippi and Alabama – were hit by a series of tornadoes earlier this month. On January 12, 2023, at least four tornadoes touched down in Georgia, causing severe damage to properties in the areas of Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties.
At the height of the storms, as many as 100,000 were without power. CoreLogic reported that a thunderstorm system generated the tornadoes, along with straight-line winds and hail – the severe weather system affected over 16,800 homes in the states of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, which cost an estimated total of $4.5 billion.
Earlier this week, commissioner King announced that his office is deploying staff to establish a “Catastrophe Claims Village,” to help homeowners file claims or answer any insurance-related questions that they may have.
The four storms hit Georgia just months after Hurricane Ian last September also tore through the state. According to risk modeling company RMS, total private-market insured losses from Hurricane Ian have been estimated to be between $53 billion and $74 billion.
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