ATLANTA -- If you have questions about filing a claim, or are having problems reaching your insurance company, Georgia’s Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine is offering you help.

People with questions about a claim can call Oxendine’s office at 404-656-2070. People outside the metro Atlanta area can call 1-800-656-2298. Phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Oxendine says people with tornado damage can take these steps to begin filing a claim:

• Contact your insurance agent immediately if you have had damage to either your house or car; do not delay. Your agent should provide you with claims forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit your property or look at your automobile.
• Secure your property. For example, if your roof was damaged or blown off, or a tree has punctured the roof, cover the affected area with a tarp or plywood to protect your property from further damage. Keep receipts of materials used for repairs; your insurance company will reimburse you for repair costs