Texas Dept of Insurance sets up new help center

Hurricane Dolly caused millions of dollars in damages across the Rio Grande, so for that reason the Texas Department of Insurance is expanding its post-hurricane Consumer Assistance centers to include the Pharr/McAllen area on Friday.

Insurance specialists from TDI are now in four Valley locations providing in-person assistance to consumers affected by Hurricane Dolly. TDI staff is available at four Home Depot locations in Brownsville, Harlingen, Weslaco, and Pharr.

Homeowners can get answers to questions about filing claims, contacting their agents or other insurance matters can speak to TDI staff between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at these locations:

• Brownsville, 4551 Padre Island Highway
• Harlingen, 4710 S. Expressway 83
• Weslaco, 1500 W. Expressway 83
• Pharr, 409 N. Jackson

If you can't make it to any of the Home Depots listed, you can call the Texas Department of Insurance Help Line at 1-800-252-3439. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Spanish speakers will be available.

Homeowners who suffered loss hurricane winds or flooding should contact their insurance companies or agents as soon as possible to begin filing a claim.

Consumers in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties, who do not have insurance, but still had damage should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/register.shtm.