“If only I knew.”
Four words spoken after disasters by people who’ve learned they don’t have the
insurance coverage they thought they had. In our agency, we never want you to
be in that situation, so here are some tips to help.
Advice you need
before a disaster
You might have
purchased your insurance a long time ago. Do you remember the coverage choices
you made and your deductibles, endorsements and exclusions? These details can
make or break a family after a disaster, so take a few minutes to call us to
see if your coverage fits your current needs. Be sure to report life changes
and significant purchases or home improvements.
Do you know how much
coverage you have if your home or possessions are damaged by rain, hail,
lightning or tornadoes? If your roof was damaged in a storm, would it be
repaired or replaced? How soon after a storm do you need to report a loss? Are
you aware that most renters and homeowners policies don’t cover floods or
earthquakes? Do you have loss-of-use coverage in case you have to vacate your
home temporarily? If a tree falls on your car, do you have the right auto
coverage?
If you don’t know the
answers, it’s important to call us to learn what your policy specifies. Another helpful tip is to create a home inventory every few years. It
sounds like a headache, but anyone who has filed a claim will vouch for its
value, and technology has made the process quick and easy. Videotape or
photograph your possessions room by room. Get close-ups of valuable items, and
keep receipts. Create an inventory by downloading an app or using a website
like knowyourstuff.org, recommended by the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather
Awareness (OCSWA). Store this inventory on the web or somewhere outside your
home to keep it protected.
Insurance tips for
after a disaster
Inspect your property
and vehicles. Make a list of what is damaged and how. Take photos for
documentation. And report your loss in a timely manner. Also take steps to
protect possessions from further damage after the disaster.
If you need to move
out of your residence temporarily, provide us with a phone number where we can
call you. Find out the monetary limit your loss-of-use insurance covers before
you choose a hotel. When you file a claim, back it up with written estimates
and your home inventory information. Prepare now, and your
family will be grateful if there ever is a disaster.
