Storm Season Prep: Check Your Insurance Coverage Before Storms Hit
If there’s one thing we can confidently predict about the weather in our area, it’s that the weather is totally unpredictable. Nor’easters, hurricanes, snowstorms, and even earthquakes have shaken our homes and nerves over the years.
The best step you can take now to protect your home, vehicles, and valuables is to make sure you understand and feel comfortable with your homeowners insurance coverage before storm season begins. Here are seven important things to check before the next big storm hits.
1) Check What Causes of Damage Your Policy Covers
Wind damage. Hail damage. Lightning damage. Fire and smoke damage. Damage from falling objects like trees, branches, and debris. Homeowners insurance often covers structural repairs and damaged personal property caused by certain storm-related events, but coverage can vary by policy. It’s a smart idea to review exactly what your policy covers before storm season arrives.
2) Check Deductibles for Wind and Hail Damage
Many policies have a separate and often higher deductible for wind and hail damage. Check your policy to find out whether that deductible is separate and whether it is a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your home’s insured value.
Knowing this ahead of time can help you avoid surprises if you need to file a claim after a major storm.
3) Check Flood Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage caused by outside water sources. If you do not already have a flood policy, now is the time to ask whether you need one. Are you in a flood zone? When was the last time you reviewed your risk? Even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, past water issues in your yard, crawl space, or basement may be a sign that flood insurance is worth considering. SIG’s flood insurance page says flood coverage can protect against damage from heavy rain, hurricanes, storm surge, and overflowing rivers or streams.
4) Check Auto Coverage
Do you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage? This typically helps cover storm-related vehicle damage from falling tree limbs, debris, hail, and flooding. If you park in the driveway or on the street, make sure your cars are protected before storm season starts. SIG includes auto insurance alongside homeowners and flood insurance within its personal insurance offerings in New Jersey.
5) Check Rebuild Costs
If your home were badly damaged, would your insurance cover the cost to rebuild at today’s construction prices? Review whether your policy is based on current replacement cost, an older estimate, or depreciated value. Rebuild costs based on current construction labor and materials are usually the better benchmark when reviewing your coverage.
6) Check Personal Property Limits
Storms can damage more than your home’s structure. Furniture, clothing, electronics, and other valuables can also be expensive to replace. Review your personal property coverage limits and ask whether any high-value items require separate endorsements or riders.
7) Check the Claim Process
What is the process for filing an insurance claim? What information do you need to provide? How long does it usually take? Having a general understanding of the claims process is always a good idea, so you are not trying to figure it out during a stressful situation. SIG’s FAQ says policyholders can either contact the carrier directly to start a claim or contact SIG for help connecting with the right resources.
If you’re unsure whether your home, vehicles, and belongings are fully protected, get in touch with Stanton Insurance Group. As an independent insurance agency in New Jersey, SIG says it works with more than 50 carriers and offers customized personal insurance solutions, including homeowners, flood, and auto coverage. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, review your policy, ask questions, identify any coverage gaps, or request a quote!
