N.C. Commissioner Gives Hurricane Preparation Tips

May 31, 2006

Spring storm season is upon us and with hurricane season beginning June 1, Insurance Commissioner Jim Long urges North Carolinians to be prepared for any storms that may come toward his state.

“No matter where in North Carolina you live, from the coastal region through the Piedmont and up into the mountains, history has shown us that we are all vulnerable to the threat of severe weather,” Long explained.

Following are some tips for preparing for this season:

Know what’s covered by your homeowners policy and what’s not.

What’s covered

Repairs or replacement of your home if damaged by certain events, including wind damage; repairs or replacement of other structures, such as tool sheds, detached garages, etc.; personal belongings in your home and those of others living with you; additional living expenses if your home is damaged and not fit to live in; includes the necessary increase in expenses incurred so that your household can maintain its normal standard of living; and tree removal if the tree damages a covered structure, or blocks the driveway on the residence premises which prevents a vehicle from entering or leaving the premises, or blocks a ramp designed to assist the handicapped.

Not covered

Damage caused by flood waters, landslide, mudslide or mud flow; the amount of coverage for personal belongings is usually limited and additional insurance may be needed for items such as jewelry, silverware, furs, art collections, etc.; only charges above and beyond your normal and customary expenses are covered; and Cost in excess of $500 regardless of the number of trees felled.

The department recommends purchasing a policy that offers at least 80 percent of the full replacement costs of the dwelling.

If you rent, you need insurance. If you live in rental property, your landlord’s insurance only covers the building. None of your personal belongings are insured unless you purchase your own renters policy. Renters’ policies are very inexpensive and provide essential coverage in case of damage to your personal property.

Flooding is not covered unless you buy a flood insurance policy. Remember, the standard homeowners policy does not cover damage caused by rising flood waters. Flooding can occur in any part of the state, from the mountains to the coast, and even if you are not in a flood zone, you may be at risk. Keep these things in mind:

If you do not have flood coverage and you suffer a flooding-related loss, your only resource is whatever funding that might be made available by the federal government. This may be limited or not enough to fully compensate you for your loss.

Consider your flooding risk. Do you live near a body of water? Are you in a low-lying area? Has your neighborhood flooded before? Your insurance agent can help you assess your risk.

You can only purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program but talk to your agent. Many local agents can help you purchase a policy. Contact NFIP at 1-800-427-4661 or go online at www.floodsmart.gov for more information. There is a 30 day waiting period before flood policies take affect, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching to purchase coverage.

If a storm is approaching

Gather any and all important paperwork, including copies of insurance policies, medical records, prescriptions, etc. Make sure you bring copies with you if you are forced to evacuate.

Make a list of your belongings and take pictures or videotape them. Include a close-up shot of the day’s newspaper to provide the date. Keep your inventory list along with purchase receipts, pictures and your insurance policy in a safe-deposit box or other safe place away from your home.

In the event of a storm, take action to protect your property, cover your windows with storm shutters, siding or plywood. Move vehicles into garages when possible, or park them near your home and away from trees.

Prevent outdoor items from becoming projectiles that can harm your property or your neighbors’. Grills, patio furniture and potted plants should be moved into the house or garage. Loose objects in your yard can become missiles, so tie down anything you can not bring indoors.

Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Flood North Carolina Hurricane

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