How To Prepare For Severe Weather – Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover It?

​Spring is the season of new beginnings. But for people who live in some parts of the United States with extreme weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, spring means preparation, bracing their properties and their lives for dangers that lie ahead. If you live in these areas, it's essential always to remain informed and to prepare for the worst. 

With Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage varies from one type of policy to another, but usually, there are four kinds of coverage found in traditional homeowners' insurance. 

• Coverage for structures of the home
• Coverage for any additional living expenses
• Coverage for personal items
• Liability protection and coverage

Most standard policies offer coverage for natural calamities, but it's still essential to ensure your home and your family's safety in any disaster. Remember the following:

• For lightning strikes, protect your property by installing a lightning protection system, surge suppressors to protect your electronics and unplug your appliances during storms. 
• During hail storms, close blinds, drapes, and shades to protect from broken window glass. Examine your roof beforehand. 
• For wildfires, clean all areas surrounding your property.  Box decks and eaves and upgrade your windows to tempered glass.
• For tornadoes, reinforce the roof, create a safe room or safe space, and tie-down furniture and home appliances. 
• For winter storms, clear your gutters, improve your home's insulation, and have your home's heating system serviced. 

If Not Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner's insurance does not cover some extreme weather conditions, and one of these is flooding. It's essential to support your current homeowner's insurance by adding flood insurance coverage from the NFIP or National Flood Insurance Program. 

This is also similar to damage brought about by hurricanes. Homeowners who are in hurricane-prone areas usually need to supplement their homeowner's insurance with additional endorsements to secure hurricane damage coverage. 

If you live in a flood and hurricane-prone area, make an inventory of your property. In case of flooding or damage due to hurricanes, you can use this inventory to get a claim from your insurance company. Other severe natural threats that are not covered by general homeowners' insurance are landslides, earthquakes, and sinkholes.  

At Cornerstone Insurance Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (888) 661-8831. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.