RICHMOND – The aftermath of Hurricane Isabel has left many Virginia residents with damaged or destroyed property. Virginia Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Gross recommends that consumers contact their insurance company or agent to file a claim or to find out whether their damaged property is covered as a result of Hurricane Isabel.

     Many insurance companies have special toll-free numbers for catastrophes that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These are available on the Bureau of Insurance’s website. However, consumers should realize that they may initially experience problems contacting their insurance company because of the telephone overload. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance can provide assistance to consumers who have had problems contacting their insurance company or agent.

     Commissioner Gross suggests taking pictures of damaged property, saving receipts for repair costs, and protecting your property from further damage. Consumer guides offering tips on what to do when a disaster strikes are being distributed and can be obtained from the Bureau. One guide is written for homeowners. The other is for commercial businesses. Both provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about settling disaster-related insurance problems. These guides are available on the Bureau’s website at www.state.va.us/scc/division/boi.

     The Bureau is prepared to handle inquiries through its toll-free telephone number 1-877-310-6560. Consumers may also reach the Bureau’s Consumer Services Section by calling (804) 371-9185. Consumers who are hearing or speech impaired may call through the SCC’s Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDD) at (804) 371-9206. Consumer complaints may be filed electronically through the Bureau’s website at www.state.va.us/scc/division/boi. The Bureau may also be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.state.va.us. The Bureau’s fax number is (804) 371-9349.

     The SCC is located in the Tyler Building at 1300 East Main Street in downtown Richmond. Normal business hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Correspondence may be mailed to the Bureau at P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, Virginia 23218.

     Below are toll-free numbers which have been supplied by insurance companies operating in Virginia. This list includes the top 10 writers of homeowners and auto insurance in Virginia.

• ACE USA - Insureds have an individual 800 number
• Allmerica - 800-628-0250
• Allstate - 800-547-8676 (800-54-STORM)
• Amica -800-242-6422
• Arch - 800-817-3252
• AIG - 800-433-8880
• Bituminous - 800-346-5108
• CNA - 877-262-2727;
  877-733-4470 (commercial inquiries)
• Chubb - 800-252-4670
• Erie - 800-322-3743 (Richmond, Tidewater, Northern Virginia);
  800-542-2250 (Waynesboro/Winchester area);
  800-533-3743 (Roanoke);
  800-367-3743 After hours claim service (all areas)
• Farmers - 800-435-7764
• Fireman’s Fund - 800-347-3428 (800-FIREHAT)
• GEICO - 800-841-3000
• Hartford - 800-243-5860
• Hartford Steam - 800-472-5677
• Kemper - 800-353-6737;
  888-252-2799
• Liberty Mutual - 800-225-2467
• MetLife Home & Auto - 800-854-6011
• Montgomery Insurance - 800-561-0178
• National Grange - 877-425-2467;
  Fax 877-282-3844
• Nationwide - 800-421-3535
• One Beacon - 877-248-4968
• Progressive - 800-776-4737
• Prudential - 800-437-3535
• Royal - 800-847-6925 (800-84R-OYAL)
• Safeco - 800-332-3226
• Selective - 866-455-9969
• St. Paul - 800-787-2851 (800-STPAUL1)
• Sompo Japan - 800-444-6870
• State Farm - 800-732-5246 (SFCLAIM)
• Travelers - 800-252-4633 (personal lines);
  800-238-6225 (commercial lines)
• USAA - 800-531-8222
• Virginia Farm Bureau - 800-445-8323
• Virginia Mutual - 800-394-8642
• XL - 214-559-1574
• Zurich - 800-987-3373