Iowans should be aware of deadlines for filing derecho damage claims

Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Jul. 22—As the anniversary of the Aug. 10, 2020, derecho approaches, the Iowa Insurance Division encourages Iowans to be aware of deadlines for filing insurance claims and to seek extensions if needed.

"We encourage Iowans to continue to work with their insurance company and agent as they move through the insurance claims process to obtain the necessary repairs," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. "This can take time as both parties work to come to an understanding about what needs to be fixed and how much it is going to cost.

Many Iowans are waiting for work on their homes to be finished and others are facing shortages of materials and availability of contractors needed to make repairs, Ommen said.

If policyholders find damage from the derecho that was not previously claimed, they likely will need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible because the terms of many insurance policies require claims to be filed within a specific time, he said.

Ommen encourages policyholders to read their insurance contracts, document their efforts to get repairs completed and contact their insurance agent to ensure they are meeting those deadlines.

"We have seen insurance carriers willing to grant extensions on a case-by-case basis given the unique circumstances caused by the derecho," Ommen said.

If extensions are needed, a policyholder should speak directly to their agent and insurance company — sooner rather than later.