Gov. Braun helps protect storm victims from losing insurance, expands Emergency Housing Assistance

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced several actions in response to historic flooding and storm damage.

The Commissioner of Insurance has issued a bulletin calling on insurance companies to protect Hoosiers from unforeseen drops in coverage. The bulletin calls on insurance companies to implement a 60-day moratorium on the cancellation of any insurance policy in effect for any policyholder directly affected by the disaster events outlined in the governor's statewide disaster emergency declaration. 

To read the Governor's Policy Cancellation Moratorium, go here.

Gov. Braun also announced Monday that emergency housing assistance will be available for Hoosiers displaced from their homes as a direct result of the disaster. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will assist in the form of emergency hotel vouchers and disaster rental assistance.

Emergency hotel vouchers are direct payments to hotels and motels for a period not to exceed 30 days to provide interim housing. Disaster rental assistance provides direct payments to landlords for application fees, security deposits, and short-term rental assistance for affected persons who need to move into a new rental unit.

A referral must be made to IHCDA to receive this assistance. Households in need of assistance should call Indiana 2-1-1 or 1-800-RED-CROSS. Both organizations will refer requests to IHCDA.

Gov. Braun urged Hoosier homeowners to follow these key guidelines from the Indiana Department of Insurance: 

• Once it’s safe, document damages and make a list of losses
• Contact your insurance agent and share information on the state of your property
• Avoid water in your home, as it can be contaminated and dangerous to your health
• If you must engage with standing water in your home, shut off all electricity beforehand

He also provided Hoosiers with a list of questions for homeowners to ask their insurance companies, as well as tips on what to do about flooding and flood insurance. That list can be found here.