RICHMOND – The high winds and heavy rains that accompanied Hurricane Isabel toppled trees and caused massive property damage across a wide swath of Virginia. The damage and debris left by these fallen trees has raised numerous insurance-related questions from Virginia policyholders.

     In most cases, if a tree falls on your property as a result of a hurricane or other natural disaster – even if it is not your tree – the cost of removing it is your responsibility. Virginia Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Gross reminds Virginians that most homeowners insurance policies provide for debris removal if a tree falls on a home, fence, garage or other insured structure on your property. Most homeowners insurance policies will not pay for clean-up costs if a fallen tree does not cause any damage. However, you should always check your policy for your particular coverage.

     The State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance urges consumers to get approval from their insurance company before having a fallen tree removed. Even if your homeowners policy provides coverage for debris removal, your insurer may only reimburse you for what it deems to be reasonable tree removal costs.

     Many insurance companies have established 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 at www.state.va.us/scc/division/boi. The Bureau of Insurance can assist consumers who may be having problems contacting their insurance company or agent.

     The Bureau has specially trained staff who can help consumers with their disaster-related insurance questions or problems. It also offers free consumer guides – for homeowners and commercial businesses - offering tips on what to do when a disaster strikes. Both guides are available on the Bureau’s website and provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about settling disaster-related insurance problems.

     For more information, contact the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division in Richmond at (804) 371-9185 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560. 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. The Bureau may also be contacted electronically at BureauofInsurance@scc.state.va.us, and complaints may be filed electronically through its website.

     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.