Latest news with #AngelaNelson
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
St. Louis locals request insurance info after EF3 tornado
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — On May 16, an EF3 tornado tore a mile-wide path through St. Louis, and now residents are seeking information about the number of homes that were uninsured in the affected zip codes. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) says it received numerous requests for more information about how many homes were uninsured in the affected zip codes. They say there is no such data available. See Forecast The DCI says the department does collect information from the insurance industry about the policies issued within the state. The DCI says this policy information consists of rough numbers based on figures derived from the American Community Survey (ACS) produced by the U.S. Census Bureau (2023), and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance annual zip-code data collection (2024). 'During my visit to St. Louis on Tuesday, I received multiple requests not only about data for the number of insured homes and renters we had in the impacted area but also about the number of uninsured,' said DCI Department Director Angela Nelson. 'While information about uninsured isn't available, the department wanted to provide assistance to policymakers assessing community needs. We were able to make a rough estimate of how many potentially uninsured homes and renters we may have by matching the ACS data with our department's zip code collection data. While this number is certainly not exact; it is fluid and subject to change, it does provide a general picture of what we may be dealing with in terms of uninsured losses.' Officials say the most heavily uninsured areas are in North County zip codes 63115, 63107, and 63113. This includes both homeowners and renters and estimates that approximately 90% of the renters in these zip codes could be uninsured, while the number of uninsured homes could be around 67%. Significant uninsured areas are in the more densely populated zip codes of the North Riverfront area of 63147, the Central West End neighborhood of 63108, and the West End/Skinker DeBaliviere and DeBaliviere Place neighborhoods of 63112. Approximately 63% of renters in these areas could be uninsured, while around 49% of homeowners could be uninsured. The zip codes of Richmond Heights 63117; the St. Louis neighborhood associated with 63110 that includes Forest Park, Shaw, The Hill, Central West End, and Cheltenham; and Clayton's 63105 neighborhood have lower uninsured numbers of renters and homeowners, but they're still concerning. Fewer than 10% of renters could be uninsured in these zip codes, and nearly 19% of homeowners could be uninsured. The DCI says they will be issuing a bulletin that requests health insurers to cover the costs of emergency prescription drug refills. The bulletin is being issued to further aid in the effectuation of Governor Mike Kehoe's Executive Order 25-24, issued on May 20, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Who to call if your property was damaged by severe weather in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In the wake of recent severe weather across Missouri, the Department of Commerce & Insurance (DCI) is urging residents to carefully review their insurance coverage and seek help if needed. Missourians with questions about their policies or claims can contact the DCI's Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit for assistance. DCI Director Angela Nelson emphasized the department's commitment to supporting consumers during this challenging time. 'If you have questions, we're here to help,' Nelson said. 'We want to be your first call if you need guidance on your coverage or options. After a storm, it's common for people to be approached by repair contractors or claim assistance services. It's crucial to verify their offers before entering any agreements.' For those with property damage, the DCI recommends the following steps: Contact Your Insurance Provider: Call your agent or the insurance company's toll-free claims number immediately. Depending on the damage, you may want to get estimates to help you decide whether to file a claim. Make Temporary Repairs: If needed, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any materials purchased, as these may be reimbursed. Avoid Permanent Repairs: Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage. Doing so could result in your claim being denied. Be Cautious with Contractors: Do not allow contractors to inspect your property unless you're present. Some contractors may intentionally damage property to inflate repair costs, which might not be covered by your insurance. Verify Insurance Adjusters: An insurance adjuster should visit your property to assess the damage. Make sure they have proper identification. Keep in mind that adjusters will never ask for payment directly – this is part of the claims process. Dispute Claims Handling: If you feel your insurer isn't handling your claim properly, you can file a complaint with DCI. The department will review whether the insurance company is following state regulations. Once your claim is processed, it's advised to obtain repair estimates from trusted contractors or auto repair shops. Be cautious of solicitors offering repairs at discounted rates. Be Wary of Upfront Payments: Avoid paying the full repair bill upfront. While some contractors require 50 percent of the total cost before beginning work, you should never pay the entire amount before the repairs are completed. Additionally, some licensed 'public adjusters' may offer to represent you in negotiations with your insurer. These adjusters typically take a portion of your settlement as payment. While hiring a public adjuster isn't necessary to file a claim, it may be worth considering only if your insurer has made a settlement offer and you believe the adjuster's services could secure a higher payout than the additional cost. The DCI oversees Missouri's insurance industry and other sectors, ensuring consumer protection through regulation and oversight. For more information about the department and its services, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
