Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak is suspending policynon-renewals, cancellations and terminations for Oklahomansaffected by the severe storms that tore through thestate May 19 and 20.

Moore, Okla., where about 13,000 buildings were destroyed,was among the affected communities.

Any rate increases for insurance policies in affected countieson or after May 19, 2013 are to be deferred in favor ofpreviously-established policy agreements for homeowner and autocoverage, Doak has ordered.

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“This is just a small, administrative step that we can take tohelp ease the burden of the victims of this devastating storm,”said Doak. “Our goal is to help ensure that insurance policies thatwere in effect will remain in effect while numerous families gothrough the recovery process.”

“Many families have lost everything, so anything we can do toeliminate even the smallest stressors will go a long way in thedays to come,” said Doak. “We encourage affected residents of therecent tornados to rely on us to be a support for theirinsurance-related needs.”

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To help with claims, the Commissioner is also calling on retiredinsurance agents–even those no longer licensed to work inOklahoma–to volunteer at the OID Consumer Assistance booth inMoore, Okla., during the recovery people.

“There is a great need from so many people due to the tornadodisasters earlier this week and we need to help them,” said Doak.“For them to have any confusion or frustration during the recoveryprocess while navigating insurance claims is the last thing theyneed. We are set up to offer help, but we need others to join withus in this great effort.”

These efforts are the most recent disaster-management decisionsmade by the OID in the wake of the tornados, including a protocolrequiring all licensed public adjusters performing services in thecounties to exhibit their license before signing any contract. Therule will apply until 90 days until after the storms.