CFO Sink Opens Helpline for Businesses impacted by oil spill

TALLAHASSEE—Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her Department of Financial Services’ toll-free Consumer Helpline, at 1-877-My-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236), is prepared to assist business owners impacted by the growing oil spill in the Gulf. Specialists are available from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and information is also available at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

“I’ve activated my consumer helpline to assist Florida business owners with questions about how this spill will impact their businesses,” said CFO Sink. “Florida businesses can take steps now to help expedite delivering their claim to BP, as well as help themselves be ready to take advantage of federal and state aid that may become available for recovery.”

Insurance specialists on the Helpline can answers questions about the claim filing process as it becomes available, but claims for damage or lost income should be filed with British Petroleum (BP) at 1-800-440-0858.

The two primary damage concerns for businesses will be property damage and losses to earnings due to business interruption. Unfortunately, this is a peril not listed in most insurance policies, but affected consumers should sit down with their agent to review their particular policy. More information regarding disaster-related insurance topics is available on the Department’s Disaster Response page at www.MyFloridaCFO.com. Out of state callers can reach the Helpline at 850-413-3089.