Preparing for Winter Storms and Other Risks

Nature reminds us that in the blink of an eye, everything can change. Cherished possessions can be destroyed, homes leveled, families torn apart. While it can never erase the bad memories, to some degree, that’s what insurance is about: To help put us whole after our losses.

We know from experience just how devastating these events can be so we urge you to develop a plan to protect you and your loved ones. Having an insurance plan makes the recovery process a little easier and can get you back on your feet more quickly.

Be prepared That’s why we created this storm preparedness guide that includes important information so that you can take the necessary steps to be organized and ready for anything.

Click these links below to learn more:

• Winter Storms
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Winter Storms
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insured annual U.S. winter storm losses totaled $38 million in 2012, following losses of over $2 billion in 2011. Needless to say, winter storms can get costly. In most cases, standard homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by wind, snow, severe cold and freezing rain. However, the damages that result from winter storms are far and wide (i.e. fallen trees, flooding from melting snow, burst pipes and ice dams, etc.), so it is crucial to understand specifically what your homeowner’s insurance does and does not cover:
• Severe Cold: Wind-related damage to a house, its roof, its contents and other insured structures on the property is covered under standard homeowner’s insurance. In addition, wind-driven snow or freezing rain that gets into the home because it was damaged by wind is covered. Damage to the house and its contents caused by the weight of snow or ice that creates a collapse is covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Tree limbs that fall on a house or other insured structures on the property would be covered for both the damage the tree(s) inflicts on the house and the cost of removing the tree(s), generally up to about $500.00. Ice or other objects that fall on the home are also covered.
• Ice Damage: Freezing conditions such as burst pipes or ice dams – a condition where water is unable to drain properly through the gutters and seeps into a house causing damage to ceilings and walls -- is covered. However, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies require that the homeowner has taken responsible steps to prevent these losses by keeping the house warm and properly maintaining the pipes and drain.
• Melting snow and ice that seeps into a home from the ground up is not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance because it is considered flooding. Therefore, it would be covered by flood insurance, which must be purchased separately. Remember, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect, so plan ahead!
There’s a lot that can damage your home during the winter months, and while a great deal of winter storm damages are covered by standard homeowner’s insurance, the best thing to do is avoid the problems altogether. To avoid winter storm damage to your home, here are some helpful suggestions:


• Winterize your home. Insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic are all ways to avoid winter storm damages.
• Watch for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of a higher-level roof, where blowing snow will collect. For safe removal that won't damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor for a referral.
• Keep gutters clean of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams.
• Remove branches that become heavy with snow and icicles hanging from gutters and over walkways.
• Keep your home warm. In order to avoid freezing pipes, it is a good idea to always keep the thermostat above 65° F at all times.

 
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• Summer Storms, Thunder & Lightning
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Summer Storms, Thunder & Lightningy
Summer Storms
Thunderstorms can bring heavy rains that can cause flash floods, strong winds, hail, lightning and, the worst case scenario—tornadoes.

Thunderstorms & Lightning

What you should know:

Damage caused by lightning, such as fire, is covered by standard homeowner’s and business insurance policies.
There is also coverage for lightning damage under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.

However, home and business insurance policies do not always provide coverage for power surges that are the result of lightning striking a home or business.
This means that consumer electronics in homes, such as flat screen TVs, home entertainment centers, multiple computers, gaming systems and other expensive devices might not be covered.
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• Preparing for the unexpected: Emergency kit, protect your home
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Preparedness: What to Do before and after the Storm
Before the storm:

Know Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

When preparing for a natural disaster, it is extremely important to understand just what your homeowner’s insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Insurance agents can review your existing policy to identify gaps in coverage.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

An Emergency preparedness kitemergency kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Assemble a kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate or take shelter at a moment’s notice, so it is important to have everything you need on hand and in one location. Keep emergency kit items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as a camping backpack or duffel bag, for quick and easy transportation. According to FEMA’s site ready.gov, a basic emergency kit should include the following items:


• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This is necessary for both drinking and sanitation
• At least a three day supply of non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio. If possible, obtain a NOAA Radio with tone alert. Make sure there are extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Water proof matches
• First aid kit
• At least a seven day supply of medications
• A whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Tools/supplies for securing home and shutting off utilities
• Copies of personal documents, including pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
• Cell phones with chargers. If possible, have an inverter or solar charger on hand
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Local maps
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra clothing
When assembling your emergency kit, be sure to consider the needs of all family members and add supplies as necessary. Additional suggested items include:

Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, etc.) Baby supplies (bottles, formulas, baby food, diapers) Games/activities for children Pet supplies (collar, leash, food, bowl, etc.) Remember, you may need to survive on your own after an emergency, so it is important that your emergency kit has food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even weeks. The supplies in your emergency kit should help you manage during these outages.

Protecting Your Home

There are some basic things you can do to protect your home from storm damage:

Brace your home for storm damage Install storm shutters or cover windows to prevent window breakage Check for loose siding on your home and secure if necessary Trim trees whose branches could fall and cause damage Clear potential projectiles from the yard. Remove outdoor furniture, trashcans, and other loose objects that may cause harm If you need to evacuate, turn off all utilities. Electrical sparks, natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters, so it is vital that all household members know how to shut off home utilities

Disconnect any electrical items in your home. Water and electricity don’t mix, so any device left connected is a potential fire hazard

Take a Home Inventory

While the outside of your house might be most susceptible to storm damage, your personal belongings are also at risk in a storm. Because of this, documenting your personal possessions with a home inventory is highly recommended – when you visit this page be sure to click through to Know Your Stuff® - Home Inventory, the Insurance Information Institute's free online home inventory software. Having home inventory documentation will help get your claims settled faster, verify losses and most importantly, give you the comfort of knowing that you purchased the correct amount of insurance.

Flood Damage

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, so it is important to understand your exposure. Click here to learn more about what is covered and how you can avoid flood damage.

Evacuation

There are several things that you can do to prepare in advance for an evacuation. Click here to learn more about evacuation
 
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• Earthquakes
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Earthquakes
While earthquakes are sometimes believed to be a west coast occurrence, there are actually 45 states and territories throughout the United States that are at moderate to high risk for earthquakes. The 2011 East Coast earthquake illustrated that it is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it is important to understand your homeowner’s insurance policy regarding this natural disaster:


• It is important to note that earthquakes are not covered under standard U.S. homeowners or business insurance policies. However, coverage is usually available for earthquake damage in the form of a supplemental policy to homeowner’s or business insurance.
• According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), earthquake insurance provides protection from the shaking and cracking that can destroy buildings and personal possessions. Coverage for other kinds of damage that may result from earthquakes, such as fire or water damage due to burst gas and water pipes, is provided by standard homeowner’s and business insurance policies in most states.
• Earthquake insurance policies often carry a deductible. However, with earthquake insurance, the deductible is in the form of a percentage rather than a dollar amount.
• Deductibles can range anywhere from 2 percent to 20 percent of the replacement value of the structure.
• Earthquake insurance premium rates are determined differently by each insurance company and can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location of the building and the construction materials used.
In addition, here are some things you can do to prepare for an earthquake:


• Map your odds. While it’s nearly impossible to predict where the next quake will hit, you can get a rough idea of your earthquake risk by using seismic hazard maps from the U.S. Geological Survey.
• Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and determine if earthquake coverage is necessary.
• Earthquake insurance premium rates are determined differently by each insurance company and can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location of the building and the construction materials used.
• Fortify your home. Even if you don’t live in an earthquake-prone area and have not purchased earthquake insurance, you can still take measures to protect yourself. Making a few home improvements to prevent damage from earth movement could be a worthwhile investment. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, there are a number of preventative upgrades that homeowner’s can utilize. Some simple safety measures include securing cabinets and furnishings to walls, installing safety shutoff valves to gas lines, and bracing water heaters.
 
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• Evacuation
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Evacuation
There are several things that you can do to prepare in advance for an evacuation:
• Develop a family disaster plan in case of an emergency. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to be prepared and plan in advance.
• Make sure you address the following topics: how will you get to a safe location? How will you contact one another? How will you get back together? What will you do in different situations?
• Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency.
• FEMA’s website Ready.gov has made it simple and easy to make a family emergency plan. You can download the Family Emergency Plan (FEP) and fill out the sections before printing it or emailing it to your family and friends.

In the event of an evacuation, follow these guidelines:


• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. If necessary, make arrangements with family, friends or your local government.
• Take your emergency supply kit.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.

Pet Safety and Evacuation

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important part of your household. In order to protect your furry family member(s), plan how you will take care of your pet(s) in an emergency:
• If you evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind! Take them with you or arrange for an animal shelter to house them during the storm.
• It is important to understand that, in many cases, only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets; consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency.
• Make sure you have an emergency kit for your pet as well (i.e. food, water, bowl, leash, collar, etc.).
• It might also be a good idea to develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Make sure identification tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home.
 
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• Food Safety
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Food Safety
In an emergency, food and water can be precious commodities. Take the proper food and water safety precautions if flooding and/or power outages occur:


• Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer, and check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F. In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.
• Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.
• Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
• If possible, have coolers with ice on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. It’s a good idea to purchase or make ice cubes in advance and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Also freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
• Keep the freezer door closed as long as possible. Preserve what cool air you have inside – don’t open the door more than what is absolutely necessary. A full freezer should stay at freezing temperatures about 2 day. A half-freezer about 1 day.
• Store food and bottled water on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.
 
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• Your Insurance: Know your coverage, after the storm
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Your Insurance & What to Do After the Storm
Know Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

When preparing for a natural disaster, it is extremely important to understand just what your homeowner’s insurance covers and what it doesn’t. A basic homeowner’s insurance policy does cover a variety of natural disasters and unexpected occurrences, such as fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, explosions, damage caused by a falling object, and weight of ice snow or sleet. However, there are some important and costly disasters that are excluded from your basic homeowner’s insurance policy and require the purchase of additional coverage.

Your Responsibilities
• Immediately following the storm, assess the damage. Record the date of the storm, signs of destruction you can see from the ground, and take pictures of any damage.
• You may need to make minor repairs to storm damage in order to protect your property from further damage, like fixing broken windows and doors.
• It is your responsibility to mitigate the possibility of further damages. This may include contacting your utility providers (i.e. water, gas, electric) to have utilities discontinued.
• For permanent storm damage repairs, wait until your insurance company has examined the property. If you have storm damaged property, do not throw it away until the claims adjuster inspects it.
• If the temporary repairs are made prior to your claims adjuster inspecting your home, be sure to save your receipts and keep a record of all of your temporary repair expenses.
• If possible, move your property to protect it from further damage. If you are unable to move large belongings, try to protect them from the elements using a tarp or plastic.
• Be sure to get prior agreement from your insurance adjuster before you contract for any permanent repairs.
• Be cautious when signing repair contracts. Deal with local, reputable contractors. Contact the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s Office to check on a contractor’s reputation. Discuss payment terms before you sign any contract.

Filing a Claim: What to Expect When the Unexpected Happens


• The claim process may begin in one of two ways: 1) your insurance company may send a claim form, known as a “proof of loss form,” for you to complete or 2) a claims adjuster may contact you before you are asked to fill out any forms.
• A claims adjuster is a person who is professionally trained to assess the damage. He/she may be a company employee or work under contract with the company.
Your policy divides your claim in two separate parts – one for the house itself and one for the personal property or contents.


Personal Property Claims


• It is extremely beneficial to have a home inventory when receiving compensation for property damage. The more information you can supply, the better your adjuster will be able to assist with your claim.
• Do not throw out damaged furniture or other items of value. The adjuster will want to see them.
• When receiving payment for the contents of your home, the check or draft will be made out to you.
• Remember, you may also be entitled to reimbursement for additional living expenses. You may receive an advance check immediately after the disaster to cover such items as additional living expenses and clothing. It is important for you to keep receipts for all items purchased with this money because when the claim is finally settled, these expenses will be deducted.

Building/Structure Claims


• Building damage is assessed in a different manner than personal property.
• If your home is deemed structurally unsafe, your insurance company may hire a structural engineer to inspect your home.
• If the structural engineer determines that the dwelling is repairable, the insurance company is obligated only for the repairs. If the dwelling is not repairable, the company will adjust your claim in accordance with your policy limits and will reimburse you for the cost of the inspections.
• Please note when receiving payment for structure damage, the check or draft for the house may be payable to you and your mortgage holder if there is a mortgage on your house.
• Please remember that the insurance claim process can take several weeks to many months, depending on the type of claim and the amount of damage. Water damage, for instance, can cause mold that poses a health risk to humans. This may require more lengthy inspections and extensive repairs, and can make it difficult to live in your home while work is being completed.
But whatever you do, don’t sit back and wait for your claim to be taken care of. Stay in touch with your claims adjuster, contractors, and repair specialists to make sure they aren’t waiting on more information from you or others. Facilitate the handling of paperwork to keep things moving along.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insured annual U.S. winter storm losses totaled $38 million in 2012, following losses of over $2 billion in 2011. Needless to say, winter storms can get costly. In most cases, standard homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by wind, snow, severe cold and freezing rain. However, the damages that result from winter storms are far and wide (i.e. fallen trees, flooding from melting snow, burst pipes and ice dams, etc.), so it is crucial to understand specifically what your homeowner’s insurance does and does not cover. This includes:

Severe Cold


• Wind-related damage to a house, its roof, its contents and other insured structures on the property is covered under standard homeowner’s insurance. In addition, wind-driven snow or freezing rain that gets into the home because it was damaged by wind is covered.
• Damage to the house and its contents caused by the weight of snow or ice that creates a collapse is covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies.
• Tree limbs that fall on a house or other insured structures on the property would be covered for both the damage the tree(s) inflicts on the house and the cost of removing the tree(s), generally up to about $500.00. Ice or other objects that fall on the home are also covered.

Ice Damage


• Freezing conditions such as burst pipes or ice dams – a condition where water is unable to drain properly through the gutters and seeps into a house causing damage to ceilings and walls -- is covered. However, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies require that the homeowner has taken responsible steps to prevent these losses by keeping the house warm and properly maintaining the pipes and drain.
• Melting snow and ice that seeps into a home from the ground up is not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance because it is considered flooding. Therefore, it would be covered by flood insurance, which must be purchased separately. Remember, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect, so plan ahead!
There’s a lot that can damage your home during the winter months, and while a great deal of winter storm damages are covered by standard homeowner’s insurance, the best thing to do is avoid the problems altogether. To avoid winter storm damage to your home, here are some helpful suggestions:


• Winterize your home. Insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic are all ways to avoid winter storm damages.
• Watch for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of a higher-level roof, where blowing snow will collect. For safe removal that won't damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor for a referral.
• Keep gutters clean of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams. Remove branches that become heavy with snow and icicles hanging from gutters and over walkways.
• Keep your home warm. In order to avoid freezing pipes, it is a good idea to always keep the thermostat above 65° F at all times.

 
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• Hurricane
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Hurricane
We’ve all seen the dramatic effect hurricanes can have-both the initial wind and rain and the floods that follow. IT is essential to review understand your homeowner’s insurance. Here are the most important things you need to know regarding hurricane coverage, and how much you need:
• Homeowner’s insurance typically covers the cost to repair common hurricane damage, including damage to roofs and walls, cars and your personal belongings.
• Check your insurance coverage limits. Your property insurance coverage should be enough to rebuild your home or adequately repair it. A common mistake people make is thinking that the real estate value of their home is the same as its insurance value. It’s not! This error can cause you to be underinsured, especially given the distressed real estate market.
• Know the amount of your hurricane deductible and have a plan for covering it. Windstorm losses from hurricanes are subject to a hurricane deductible. This deductible applies to losses from a storm system declared a hurricane by a hurricane watch or a warning issued by the National Weather Service. Unless you have chosen a different deductible with your insurance company, hurricane deductibles are a minimum of $500 for property insured for under $100,000 and 2 percent of the insured amount for property valued at $100,000 or over.
• The most important thing to remember is that flood damage from hurricanes is not covered! Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage from a hurricane, including floods from storm surges. So if your area is susceptible to hurricanes, make sure you have flood insurance!

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay safe and reduce hurricane damage to your property in the event of a storm. Here are some ideas:


• Install storm shutters.
• Remove yard debris, like dead tree limbs, that could become flying missiles.
• Have a safe place to park your cars and/or store your boat.
• Make sure you, your family, and/or employees know how to shut off utilities.
• Back up computer records and store them at least 50 miles offsite.
• Gather important papers, including inventory lists and insurance information to take with you if you must evacuate.
• Have your insurance information handy. Know how to contact your insurance company. You should keep your insurer’s phone number and email address with you as all times, as well as your insurance policy number.
 
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• Flood Damage
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Flood Damage
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, so it is important to understand your exposure:
• Flood losses are not typically covered under renter and homeowner’s insurance policies. In order for flood damage to be covered, you need to purchase flood insurance.
• You should be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but flood insurance is especially important if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.
• The good news is that flood insurance is available in most communities through insurance agents, and flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out of an identified flood-prone area.
• However, it is important to remember that there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect, so don’t delay. Now is the best time to buy flood insurance!
To avoid flood damage, here’s what you can do:


• Find out if your home or business is at risk for flood damage, and be aware of the impact a flood could have on you and your family. For more information, take a look at flood hazard maps that outline your community’s different flood risk areas.
• Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and determine if you need flood insurance.
• Know your options. Flood coverage is available in the form of a separate policy both from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from private insurers such as AAA! For more information on AAA’s flood insurance policies, contact an agent or get a quote today.
 
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• Tornadoes
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Tornadoes
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide. Oftentimes, homes close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Here’s what you should know regarding tornado insurance coverage:
• Your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.
• If you can’t live in your home while it is being repaired or rebuilt, your insurance company may pay for additional living expenses as provided in your policy. Review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.
• Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs.
You can’t make your home tornado proof, but you can take steps that improve your home’s odds of surviving the high winds. Here are some suggestions:
• Start at the top—your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high wind.
• If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
• Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.
 
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• Insurance agents can review your existing policy to identify gaps in coverage