Emergency declaration allows more claims adjusters in Okla.

Oklahoma Insurance Com-missioner Kim Holland declared a state of emergency Jan. 16, 2007, following severe winter weather that hit all 77 counties in the state. According to the commissioner’s office the declaration will allow emergency claims adjusters from other states to be temporarily licensed to provide immediate assistance in the insurance claims process.

“Storms of this magnitude require as many adjusters as possible. We expect a high volume of claims from across the state,” Commissioner Holland said, announcing the declaration. “This order will allow insurance companies to bring in experienced adjusters from other areas to work in Oklahoma and expedite the claims process.”

The severe storms brought snow, ice and high winds causing widespread damage to property and even the loss of life. The Declaration of Emergency allows for emergency adjusters to be licensed for ninety days and to adjust claims related to the severe winter weather.