It’s easy to assume that your homeowners insurance will cover any kind of damage from any kind of storm. However, many homeowners don’t check up on their insurance policies on a regular basis, and they sometimes find out too late that their coverage isn’t adequate or doesn’t cover a particular kind of loss. After October storms left much of South Carolina under floodwaters, WBTV.com offered a few tips for homeowners that might help prepare them for what next year brings. Their suggestions for checking up on your insurance policies are great reminders for homeowners across the nation:
- Look for gaps in your coverage. If don’t already, you should consider taking a look at your insurance coverage each year and looking for any gaps. Insurance policies may cover some severe weather conditions, but not others—and it depends on
your location and specific policy. For example, general homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover flood damage, but it may cover some other types of water damage. A really common issue for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas is the non-coverage of storm surge damage, which direct damage from high winds is covered. It can be confusing, so make sure you know how your coverage works before you need to file a claim. - Make sure you have the right coverage for unexpected weather. While homeowners near coastlines and in low-lying areas may know that flood insurance is an important protection, it can be more difficult for residents in areas where floods or other severe weather events are less common. Even if your area isn’t typically hit by floods or hurricanes, it may be worth looking into these coverages just in case an unexpected storm hits.
- Make sure your coverage is appropriate for your home’s current value. Over time, changes to your home and property can have an impact on its value—and the kind of insurance coverage you need. You should periodically take a look at your homeowners insurance and make sure that it is in line with your home’s current value and any renovations, additions, or improvements you have made.
- Check your deductibles. Depending on how your homeowners insurance works, you may have different deductibles for different types of damage. For example, there may be a difference in the deductibles for losses due to hurricane and those due to wind. Make sure you’re prepared and avoid any surprises about what goes toward your deductibles.
While you’re getting educated about your current insurance coverage, you might also take a moment to read up about your rights as a policyholder, too. If you are concerned about filing insurance claims for this year’s severe storms, you can request a copy of our informative book, Your Essential Guide to Residential Claims, which will help you understand what to expect from a claim and what to do when you believe it has been unfairly denied or underpaid.
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