SAINT PAUL, MN – In the wake of severe storms that caused property damage across southern Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is reminding residents that help is available through its Disaster Information Center. Commerce offers expert guidance and resources to assist homeowners, renters, and property owners in recovering and navigating the insurance claims process.

The Commerce Department urges Minnesotans in southern parts of the state with property damaged by storms to visit Commerce’s Disaster Information Center (mn.gov/commerce/insurance/home/dic) for critical steps to take after a disaster, tools for filing insurance claims, and consumer protection services.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm

• Stay safe – Before returning to a damaged home, ensure the structure is safe and utilities are off.
• Document the damage – Take photos or video of all damage before making any repairs.
• Contact your insurance company – Report the loss as soon as possible and retain your claim number and documentation.
• Make temporary repairs – Prevent further damage with cost-effective repairs and keep all receipts for possible reimbursement.
• Don’t discard damaged property prematurely – Except for perishables, wait until your insurer has seen the damage before discarding items.
• Watch out for scammers – Avoid services that involve high-pressure sales tactics, particularly from salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has tips about hiring a contractor for storm repair. 

Help with Insurance and Recovery

The Commerce Department provides:

• Advice on how to file a homeowner or renter insurance claim
• Information on what typical policies do and do not cover
• Support for consumers dealing with insurance disputes
• Links to local and federal disaster assistance resources

Residents can also reach out directly to the Commerce Consumer Services Center for one-on-one help:

• Phone: 651-539-1600 (Twin Cities metro) or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota)
• Email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us

For more information and step-by-step recovery tools, visit: mn.gov/commerce/insurance/home/dic

About the Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates the insurance industry, promotes strong consumer protections, and provides resources for Minnesotans in times of emergency or disaster.

Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce by following Commerce at mn.gov/commerce or @MNCommerce on social media.

Contact
Mo Schriner
Minnesota Department of Commerce
651-363-1227
mo.schriner@state.mn.us