NDOI Urges Fire Victims to Document Damage and Contact Insurers

NE Insurance News

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) issued a notice urging residents affected by recent fires to document property damage and contact their insurance companies. The NDOI also provided guidance on avoiding post-disaster scams and offered assistance to policyholders.

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What changed

The Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) has issued a notice advising residents impacted by recent devastating fires to meticulously document all property damage and promptly contact their insurance providers to initiate the claims process. The department emphasizes the importance of keeping records of communications with insurers, taking photos/videos of damage, and listing destroyed personal property. NDOI Director Eric Dunning highlighted that the department is available to assist Nebraskans who need help navigating the insurance claims process.

In addition to claims guidance, the NDOI issued a warning about potential scammers targeting disaster victims through various communication channels. Residents are advised to work only with licensed and insured contractors, obtain multiple estimates, avoid paying in full upfront, and ensure all agreements are in writing. The NDOI provides a contact number for assistance with finding insurance company information and directs individuals to its policyholder resources webpage for further guidance.

What to do next

Document all fire-related property damage thoroughly.
Contact insurance agents/companies as soon as safely possible.
Be vigilant against potential post-disaster scams and verify contractor legitimacy.

Source document (simplified)

Lincoln, NE (March 19, 2026) – As Nebraska continues to deal with the devasting fires, the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) is encouraging residents who experienced property damage to document all losses and contact their insurers.

“The department knows many families in western and central Nebraska are dealing with significant losses as these fires are ongoing," NDOI Director Eric Dunning said. “When it is safe to do so, residents should document any damage and contact their insurance company to begin the claims process. If anyone needs assistance or doesn’t know where to start when it comes to insurance, the department is here to help.”

Any Nebraskans can take the following steps if affected by the fires:

•    Contact insurance agent/company as soon as possible
•    Keep track of all calls with the company
•    Take clear photos or videos of the damage to structures
•    Make a list of all personal property destroyed/damaged
•    Ask agent if your policy covers living expenses until repairs are made

NDOI also warns of scammers who can contact individuals following natural disasters. They can use phone, text, mail, email, and even go door to door to target residents.

Some general ways that may help residents make informed decisions following a disaster include:

•    Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
•    Don't sign a contract right away. Get multiple estimates.
•    Don't pay the whole repair bill in advance. Only pay when the work is complete.
•    Get everything in writing.

If your documents are not recoverable or you need to get in contact with your insurance company, NDOI is able to help you find contact information by calling (402) 471-2201. For more information or resources on what to do following a disaster, visit our policyholder resources webpage.

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