General Casualty field claim adjusters from the company's catastrophe response team are assisting Ladysmith residents affected by Monday's tornado. To date, the company has received notice of approximately 50 claims for property damage to autos, homes and businesses.
"We expect to see a total property loss for the Ladysmith tornado of $2.5 million," said Don Suominen, senior vice president of claims. "While property in the path of the tornado was significantly damaged, the storm could have been much worse, and thankfully no lives were lost."
In addition to handling all reported claims, General Casualty adjusters will be contacting the company's commercial policyholders to determine if their properties sustained any damage.
Home and auto policyholders of General Casualty are also encouraged to contact the company if they believe they have suffered property damage. Potential claims can be reported to ClaimLine24, the company's 24-hour direct reporting system, at (888) 737-8256. An operator will record information regarding the loss, and a General Casualty representative will contact insureds to follow up on their claims. Policyholders needing immediate assistance to secure their property or seek temporary housing will be referred through ClaimLine24 to an on-call General Casualty claims representative.
Policyholders may also contact their local General Casualty agent, who can assist them in reporting claims to the company.
Company officials recommend that policyholders document damaged property and keep a record of all expenses relating to the loss in order to expedite the claims process.
"General Casualty's goal is to make our customers whole after a loss affecting their home, auto or business," said Suominen. "Each of the 200,000 claims we handle each year is evaluated quickly, fairly and courteously, and we regularly receive high marks for superior claims service."
For more information please contact Anne M. Smith.