General Casualty Insurance Companies’ Springfield branch office on Robbins Road has suffered some damage as a result of Sunday’s tornadoes and is temporarily closed due to a power outage affecting the area. Office leaders have initiated the company’s business recovery plan, and they believe no severe damage to computer systems has occurred. All policyholder data is safe on the company’s mainframe information systems in Sun Prairie, Wis. The office’s phones have been re-routed to the company’s other Illinois office in Freeport until power is restored and the office re-opens.
Through the company’s home office in Wisconsin, General Casualty has activated a catastrophe team to handle property and automobile losses in the Springfield area. Claims are being assigned as they are reported, and adjusters have begun inspecting damage. So far, the company has received nearly 100 claims. Company officials believe it is too early to speculate on total claims and damage estimates.
Policyholders are 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 date and nature of 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. To ensure consumers are dealing with a reputable service person and don’t become a victim of disaster fraud, the company also advises residents to be wary of door-to-door sales people offering clean-up or repair services after a storm.
"General Casualty’s goal is to make our customers whole after a loss affecting their home, auto or business," said Don Suominen, senior vice president of claims. "Each of the 200,000 claims we handle each year is evaluated quickly, fairly and courteously, which is why our agents give General Casualty high marks for superior claims service when compared to our regional competitors."
For more information contact Anne M. Smith.