Insurance Payments For May Tornadoes Top $1 Billion

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) says nearly 91,000 claims have been filed following tornado outbreaks that began May 19, leading to $1 billion in insurance payments.

The May storms killed dozens of people, and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses. Many people are still dealing with unresolved insurance claims, which the OID says is not uncommon three to four months after a large-scale disaster.

"The rebuilding is just beginning," said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak. "We expected to see these amounts and they continue to go up every week. This is a major catastrophe that's impacted thousands of Oklahomans. Some survivors are still dealing with insurance and rebuilding issues. We can't fix everything overnight, but we will be here for them until the last claim is paid."

The OID is hosting a recovery assistance event to help address those issues. The Recovery Roundup will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at Southmoore High School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

7/31/2013 Related Story: 'Recovery Roundup' Planned To Help May Storm Survivors

Commissioner Doak has requested that all major insurance companies send several representatives to the event to meet with policyholders and address any unresolved claims or concerns. Oklahoma Emergency Management, FEMA and officials from the cities of Moore and Oklahoma City will also be available to answer questions about debris removal, permits and other rebuilding issues.