Storm season is here, and the best time to prepare is before severe weather is in the forecast. Taking a few simple steps now can help protect your home, reduce potential damage, and ensure you understand your insurance coverage before a loss occurs.
Storm Season Checklist
- Review your homeowners insurance coverage
Rebuilding costs continue to change. Review your dwelling coverage to make sure it reflects the estimated cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. Be sure to consider recent renovations, additions, upgraded kitchens, finished spaces, or other improvements.
- Create a home inventory
Take photos or videos of your belongings and keep important documents in a safe, accessible location. Having this information available can make the claims process easier if a loss occurs.
- Understand your water damage coverage
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage caused by flooding from rising water. Flooding can happen after hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rainfall events. Flood insurance is purchased separately, and waiting periods may apply, so planning ahead is important.
- Check your trees and landscaping
Remove dead branches and consider having unhealthy or hazardous trees evaluated by a qualified professional. Proper maintenance may help reduce the risk of damage to your home, vehicles, fences, and neighboring property.
- Prepare your home before severe weather arrives
A few maintenance steps can help reduce the risk of damage:
- Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Seal openings around windows and doors
- Address any signs of leaks or water intrusion
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items
The best time to review your insurance coverage is before a storm is approaching. If you have questions about your homeowners policy, recent updates to your home, or whether your coverage still meets your needs, please contact our office. We are happy to help you prepare.
Stay safe.
