Dover, DE - Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart today announced that she will extend office hours next week to better assist consumers with storm-related questions or problems.

"The best weather forecast we have indicates that Delaware will feel the effects of Hurricane Irene sometime over the weekend. Recognizing that there is real value in planning ahead, my goal is to inform consumers now in hopes of quickening response times in cases of weather-related damage."

Commissioner Stewart explained that Insurance Department staff will be available until 8:00 P.M next Wednesday, August 31st and Thursday, September 1st. Consumers can contact the Delaware Insurance Department by calling 1-800-282-8611.

Commissioner Stewart encourages Delawareans to review their home inventory and keep it in a safe place as well as review the coverage limits of their insurance policies. Delawareans should call their insurance company or agent with their policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible after experiencing storm-related damage and to keep a diary of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors, or relief agencies.

Finally, Commissioner Stewart reminds all Delawareans of the benefits of prior planning and directs consumers to the Insurance Department's website which contains valuable storm tips, information about homeowners insurance (including a home inventory form) and an online complaint form. www.delawareinsurance.gov.

 

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Contacts:
Elliott Jacobson (302) 674-7303; (202) 294-3266 cell
Gene Reed (302) 698-7778