JACKSON — The Mississippi Insurance Department is encouraging homeowners affected by the May 6-7 storms to begin documenting damage and contacting their insurance companies as recovery efforts continue across the state.
State officials said residents should first review their insurance deductibles, assess property damage and determine whether filing a claim is necessary.
The department urged policyholders to begin the claims process as soon as possible, noting that some insurance policies contain deadlines for reporting storm-related damage.
Officials also advised residents to gather policy information before filing claims and keep detailed records of conversations with insurance companies, creditors and relief agencies throughout the recovery process.
The agency recommends taking photographs or video of damaged property and creating an inventory of damaged or missing items before insurance adjusters arrive. Homeowners were also advised to save receipts for temporary repairs and emergency expenses.
According to the department, residents should make only temporary repairs needed to prevent additional damage — such as covering broken windows or leaking roofs — until adjusters inspect the property and repair costs are agreed upon.
Officials said homeowners displaced by storm damage should ask insurers whether their policies include coverage for additional living expenses.
The department also cautioned residents to keep damaged personal property available for inspection and to request itemized explanations of claim settlement offers from adjusters.
State officials noted that smaller claims may be resolved quickly, while widespread storm damage could result in longer processing times for larger claims.
Residents needing assistance with insurance questions or claims can contact the Mississippi Insurance Department by phone or through its website.
