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State Representative Debra Kiel
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5091
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
SESSION UPDATE
News From Representative Kiel
Dear friends:
It came as quite a disappointment when the emergency bonding bill did not pass the House floor towards the end of session. The money received from this bonding bill would go towards local flood mitigation projects as well as rebuilding communities that were devastated this last spring.
I am hopeful that the Governor will take a look at the bonding bill during the special session. It is important that we keep in mind the many folks who are affected by flooding every spring and the measures that can be taken to prevent future flooding with the appropriated funds in this bill. I remain hopeful that it will pass the legislature and the Governor will sign this bill that is so important to our area.
I promise to keep working hard on this issue, and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
With the summer season comes warm temperatures and at times severe weather. I wanted to pass on some information that you can use in case you experience severe weather in your area that may cause damage to your area.
CONSUMER ALERT: SUMMER STORM SEASON
Preparation, Response & Consumer Resources
There are many things in life we cannot control. But we can control our ability to prepare for storms by investing a little time in the next few weeks to get ready. That is why the Minnesota Department of Commerce has developed a one-stop shop to help Minnesota homeowners and businesses prepare for natural disasters.
Complete a Home Inventory
The Department of Commerce urges consumers to take inventory of their belongings ahead of the summer storm season. Research suggests that 48 percent of consumers do not have an inventory of their possessions. Of those who do, 32 percent have no photos and 58 percent have no receipts.
This Home Inventory Checklist walks consumers from room to room in their home, helping compile a list of their property. By completing the checklist, homeowners who file a claim or qualify for assistance will know what they had in their home that may need to be replaced. Consumers can also download the free myHOME Scr.APP.book app for iPhone® users by visiting the iTunes® App Store or searching 'NAIC' in the app store from their phone.
Information for Renters
If you rent and you don’t have renter’s insurance, you may want to consider purchasing coverage. Renter’s insurance is relatively inexpensive and portable. The average renter’s insurance policy costs between $15 and $30 per month. Renter’s policies can cover everything from electronics to clothing to household appliances. Replacing all your possessions in the wake of a storm will cost much more.
Auto Coverage
Storms can damage autos in a number of ways: hail damage to the exterior and glass; wind driven debris damage; damage from fallen trees; and tornado damage. 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. Ask your insurance agent how much coverage you have. For more information about auto insurance, click here.
What to Do After a Storm
If a storm damages your property, follow these simple steps:
Be safe. Look out for downed power lines, etc. Do not try to go into an area until the official time is given.
Call your insurance company to report the damage. They will send out adjusters to review the damage and assess the loss. Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim. Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired.
Beware of storm-chasing contractors – Do not agree to a contract without checking their references and checking with the Department of Labor’s Residential Contractors Division at (651) 284-5069.
Call the Minnesota Department of Commerce. For questions regarding insurance call the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Response Team at (651) 296-2488 or (800) 657-3602. You can also visit our website at www.insurance.mn.gov .
Working together, we can get this information to Minnesota residents and businesses. The Department of Commerce has additional materials we are happy to share with you or anyone else in your community.
Please contact Matt Swenson with any requests for additional information. Matt can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6485 or by email at matt.swenson@state.mn.us.
Thanks,
Deb
News Items
- Rural families’ budgets will be tighter under the 2013 state budget - (Posted: May 24 2013 1:48PM)
- WHAT CHILDCARE PROVIDER UNIONIZATION MEANS FOR YOUR FAMILY - (Posted: May 24 2013 10:15AM)
- REP. KIEL: RURAL FAMILIES WILL PAY MORE FOR ELECTRICITY UNDER DEMS’ PLAN - (Posted: May 8 2013 12:45PM)
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