Insurance Tips for Hurricanes
What's covered is easy. It's better to talk about what is not covered.
Property in the open. Most people understand that personal property left in the open and exposed to inclement weather will not be covered under any kind of insurance policy. However, not everyone knows the definition of "property in the open". For instance, your shed or detached garage is NOT property in the open. However, your lawn furniture, swing set, sandbox and bird bath ARE all examples of "property in the open". Therefore, you need to secure items like the above example or better yet, bring whatever you can in doors.
Is your classic car insured under your home policy if you park it in the garage? NO! All types of automobiles and motorcycles must be insured on an auto policy and it must specifically have comprehensive coverage. Your home policy will NEVER cover an automobile despite it being parked in your garage.
Water in your basement. What is and is not covered when it comes to water is very complicated. Therefore, discuss any questions you have with your agent. The following information is intended to give you a general explaination of coverage.
If water seeps in through your foundation it is not covered on any type of home policy. I am not aware of any coverage available for this type of water damage.
If water comes into your basement through window wells, garages, or any other ground source, it is not covered.
If water comes into your house from the roof or due to the roof sustaining damage, most policies cover this type of damage. However, there are lower forms of home coverage that may not cover this situation. You need to have a form 3 or 5 so be sure to ask your agent which for you have.
What about Trees and Shrubs? Trees and shrubs are not covered if they blow over in a hurricane or windstorm. To my knowledge there is no coverage available on any type of policy for trees and shrubs blowing over in the wind. Most policies do provide some coverage for trees and shrubs but only in the case of fire and some other limited perils.
What about your car? You must have comprehensive coverage to be covered for a hurricane. Check with your agent and make sure you have this coverage if your vehicle is worth more then a couple thousand dollars.
At this point you may be asking, "what IS covered"? A good homeowners policy covers many things too numerous to mention here. Just as an example, fire, lightening, windstorm, hail, riot, civil commotion, vehicles driving into your house and explosion. There are many more coverages but remember you have to read your policy or have your agent explain your coverage because coverage may be different from company to company.
If you have any questions please feel free to call us at the office or email us your question. 459-5060 or john@jdinsurance.net
This is not a complete list of what is and what is not covered. Please refer to your policy.
