Storm Insurance Claims

Homeowners are also trying to get back to normal in Dickinson, but it`s going to take some time for residents in the south part of the city.

High winds damaged numerous homes and businesses, tearing off roofs, and knocking down walls.

Upturned trees also landed on a few homes, causing even more damage.

While it`s too early for insurance agents to put a number on how much damage last night`s storm caused, they say claims have already been pouring in.

And while adjusters are getting out as fast as they can, agents say, homeowners should start doing what they can now.

"You know you`re going to need a contractor if your roof is off, so start lining up contractors," says Scott Karsky, a State Farm Insurance agent. "Make the calls, get them lined up. They`re going to be very busy. Water damage, tear up your carpet, get somebody over to extract the water if possible. Get a hold of the local water removal."

He says homeowners who start making temporary repairs should save all of their receipts, because those repair costs are reimbursable.

And he says not to take any chances with safety.

If your home or garage looks unstable, don`t go inside to try to get something out.

Overturn Governor's Veto of Bill Against State Farm Insurance

I, for one, hope we can get the governor's HB 1171 veto overturned. I have had State Farm Insurance since we moved to Lakeland in 1974. Whenever I had to file a claim, it was right there making sure either our house was repaired or our cars were done correctly.

Sandra Grier Bennett has been our agent since Quince Cannon retired. She has always been there for us. Never made me feel she was too busy.

When the hurricanes came through four years ago, we had three of our neighbor's trees come through our roof. She took care of us right away, and made sure I understood everything that needed to be done on our side and hers.

We can't afford to lose her or State Farm - let's fight for it.

Since when do we need a governor who can tell us what we can afford and can't? We are able to make that decision on our own.

Hopefully our state legislators can get this overturned and let the people decide.

SANDRA FREEMAN

Home insurance to cover business equipment

Insurance provider Aviva is extending its home contents policy to cover business equipment as standard.

The company made the decision following the release of statistics from the Future Foundation, which showed that a quarter of the working population will be based at home by 2020.

Contents insurance will provide cover for loss or damage to office equipment and furniture up to the value of £5,000.

Julie Fromant, home lifestyle manager at Aviva UK, said: "We recognise the growing trend in home working and that for many, working from home requires additional investments that need to be protected.

"We felt it was right that this should be covered as standard, as part of the home contents policy, and hope this provides extra security for home workers in the UK."

The cover is available to all new and existing customers when they renew their home insurance policy.

Figures released by the Trades Union Congress in May of this year showed that 3.5 million people in the UK work from home.