SAINT PAUL, Minn. – As flood waters continue to devastate areas around the Rainy River basin, Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) encourages residents in the region to be aware of their rights under Minnesota law as they assess the damage and work with insurance adjusters and contractors.
“The historic flooding is devastating, and seeing the damage to homes, businesses, and other property is heartbreaking,” Rep. Ecklund said. “This will be a challenging recovery for our region, and I hope folks will proceed cautiously and judiciously as they work to rebuild, especially if they interact with fly-by-night contractors who may not have their best interests in mind. The State of Minnesota is available to provide assistance, too, and I hope people will use the services available if they find it necessary.”
The Minnesota Department of Commerce enforces insurance laws and offers Minnesotans guidance on steps to take when filing an insurance claim after flood damage to their home, business or other property. Their online Disaster Information Center has helpful information on dealing with insurance carriers and potential contractors. The department also offers these tips for filing insurance claims:
- Contact your insurance company immediately.
- Wait for the company’s adjuster before you or anyone starts working to remove or repair or replace property.
- Inventory your damage.
- Take notes of who you talk with and what they say from your insurance company, adjusters or repair services. Note dates, names and contact information.
- Avoid scammers or high-pressure sales tactics if you are contacted by someone you don’t know, such as salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms.
A comprehensive Disaster Response Guide is also available in PDF form. Questions, complaints, or problems with insurance companies can be directed to the department’s Consumer Services Center by phone at 651-539-1600, by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us, or submit a complaint online.
Volunteer sandbagging efforts are ongoing, and following a deployment which Rep. Ecklund encouraged, members of the Minnesota National Guard are in the region assisting with flood response.