INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) — Gov. Mike Braun is taking additional steps to help Hoosiers affected by historic flooding and storm damage.
At Braun’s direction, the Indiana Department of Insurance is calling on insurance companies to implement a 60-day moratorium on canceling insurance policies for people directly affected by the disasters covered under the governor’s statewide emergency declaration.
The department is also asking insurers to suspend penalties for late payments during that 60-day period.
Braun says the measures are intended to give storm victims more time to recover without worrying about losing their insurance coverage.
The state is also expanding emergency housing assistance for Hoosiers who were displaced from their homes because of the storms.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will provide emergency hotel vouchers and disaster rental assistance. Hotel vouchers can cover up to 30 days of temporary housing, while rental assistance can help with application fees, security deposits and short-term rent.
People who need assistance must be referred to IHCDA. They can call Indiana 2-1-1 or 1-800-RED-CROSS to request help.
State officials are also reminding homeowners to document damage and losses once it is safe, contact their insurance agent and avoid standing water, which could be contaminated. Anyone entering standing water should shut off electricity beforehand.
Officials are also warning homeowners to watch for storm-related scams.
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office recommends researching contractors, checking licenses and insurance, getting multiple estimates and getting all agreements in writing. Homeowners should also avoid paying by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency or cash, and should not pay the full cost upfront.
FEMA does not charge application fees. Officials say anyone demanding payment to help access FEMA assistance should be considered a potential scam.
Storm-related scams can be reported at IndianaConsumer.com or by calling the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-382-5516.
