Insurance News

May 10, 2017

Missouri Insurance Department participating in resource centers to assist residents with insurance needs after flooding

Jefferson City, Mo. – Consumer specialists from the Missouri Department of Insurance will be at Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) throughout the state this week and next week to assist residents impacted by recent flooding. The specialists will be at the locations listed below and will be able to provide consumers with assistance understanding their insurance policies and the process of filing a claim as well as company contact information.

May 10 Ellington Ellington City Hall, 100 Tubbs Avenue
May 10 West Plains West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
May 11 Poplar Bluff Memorial Baptist Church 2215 South Broadway Bldg. C
May 11 Eminence United Methodist Church, 18321 Church St.
May 12 & 13 Van Buren Van Buren Youth & Community Center, CR 1204 State Hwy D
May 12 & 13 Valley Park Manchester United Methodist Church, 129 Woods Mill Rd.
May 15 Thomasville TBA
May 15 Pacific Pacific Eagles, 707 West Congress Pacific, MO 63069
May 16 Gainesville Gainesville School District, Gymnasium
May 16 House Springs Northwest Valley Middle School, 4300 Gravois Rd.
May 17 Doniphan Caring Community Partnership, 209 Highway St.
May 18 Arnold Arnold First Baptist Church, 2012 Missouri State Rd.

If you have questions regarding what your policy covers, we are here to assist," said Chlora Lindley-Myers, director of the department. "We have trained technical experts standing by who can help review policies and assist with claims if needed."

Generally, homeowners insurance does not offer protection against flood losses. Homeowners should check their policies for exclusions, such as "water damage." 

Policyholders who have questions or concerns about their insurance coverage should contact the department's Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov.

Flood insurance is available through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It may be purchased through licensed property and casualty insurance agents or through many private insurance companies. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. There are eligibility restrictions to qualify for National Flood Insurance. Consumers should contact the NFIP with eligibility questions at 800-427-4661.

For information about Missouri flooding recovery and resources check Mo.gov/flood. The site is regularly updated with new information.

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