Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said damage from tornadoes that struck Georgia last Tuesday generated thousands of insurance claims, with estimated insured losses as high as $6 million.

“That figure may rise as new claims are reported,” Hudgens said. “Six tornadoes touched down in Georgia that day, causing trees to be downed and damaging homes and automobiles.”

Property owners with damaged property can take the following steps to begin the claims-filing process:

* 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.

* Hail damage to your car is typically covered by the comprehensive/collision portion of your automobile insurance policy; hail damage to your home – your roof, for example – is covered by your homeowners policy.

* 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.

Commissioner Hudgens reminds Georgians that they can call his Consumer Helpline at 404-656-2070 or, outside the Metro area, 1-800-656-2298, if they have questions about filing a claim, or if they are experiencing difficulty reaching their insurance company. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.