MEDIA ADVISORY: I.I.I. Available to Discuss Coverage, Claims Issues Arising From Midwestern Tornadoes

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New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

NEW YORK, February 29, 2012 The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) has experts available to conduct interviews on the insurance ramifications from the powerful storm system that spawned tornadoes across the Midwest today. More twisters are expected to strike the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians through this evening as the storm system moves east toward the Mid-Atlantic.

 
The tornado that hit Harrisburg, Illinois, rated an EF4—the second most powerful on the rating scale—according to the National Weather Service, resulted in six deaths, nearly 100 injuries and at least 200 homes destroyed or damaged.
 
Standard homeowners and business insurance policies cover wind damage to the structure of the building and its contents caused by tornadoes as well as thunderstorms, which are also expected to occur tonight. 
 
Homeowners insurance policies also traditionally provide for additional living expenses (ALE). ALE coverage pays the costs of living away from home if you cannot inhabit your house due to damage from an insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt.
 
Damage to cars from a tornado is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of a standard auto insurance policy.
 
If your business has been damaged, and you have business income (also known as business interruption) insurance, it covers the profits your business would have earned, based on your own financial records, had the disaster not occurred. The policy covers additional operating expenses incurred as a result of the disaster, such as the extra expenses involved in operating out of a temporary location.
 
To arrange an interview with the I.I.I., please call the press office at 212-346-5500.

RELATED LINKS

Issues Update: Catastrophes
Facts and Statistics: Tornadoes
 
 

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

 

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