Be Ready for Hurricane Season with Adequate Insurance Coverage

We’re now well into the 2020 Hurricane Season. Although our country has not seen major devastation from a named storm, “the Atlantic basin has already produced six named storms, delivering some of the earliest activity in the past fifty years,” as stated on Earth Observatory. The forecast for this year is that we’re going to have “a busy season.”

Be Prepared and Ready to Evacuate

As we all know, and we have all experienced with the COVID-19 crisis, supplies can be in short supply during trying times. If you haven’t taken the time to ready yourself for this year’s hurricane season, Forbes lays out how you can prepare and what to do if you must evacuate.

1. Be sure you can get alerts and warnings.
2. Be ready to evacuate if you’re in the danger zone.
3. Access and prepare your home and property to mitigate potential damage.
4. Gather vital documents and records, and have ready to transport in an evacuation.

If you also have a business to worry about, you have more preparation to do. Alert Media tells you how you can prepare your business for this year’s hurricane season.

Don’t Think You’re Out of Harm’s Way

While we know that the Caribbean, Gulf of New Mexico, and the  Southeast take the most hurricane hits, there is always the chance for the abnormal hurricane paths. As we all remember Hurricane Sandy, the Northeast can be devastated.

Another two examples of unexpected storm damages were from Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Florence in North Carolina. The damage from flooding displaced many people.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Back to the Forbes article, “having the right insurance is crucial for recovering from a hurricane.” It’s vital that you understand your coverage, especially when it comes to “flooding from storm surge and heavy rain.” Flooding is usually another separate coverage. You also want to research whether you may need wind coverage.

Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance

Per U.S. News & World Report, you can get a general understanding what homeowner’s insurance covers.

“Besides damage to your home from a storm, falling tree, fire, or some other hazard, a standard home insurance policy covers damage to or theft of personal property like furniture, clothing, and appliances. Outbuildings like a shed or garage, along with items like outdoor grills and fireplaces, are usually also covered. You may need to buy additional coverage for a swimming pool or other high-risk personal property, along with valuables like artwork, jewelry, and high-end electronics. Likewise, expensive home office equipment and small business inventory stored on your property will need separate coverage. Be aware that a standard homeowners insurance policy usually doesn’t cover flood or earthquake damage. If your home is in a flood-prone area, you’ll have to buy add-on coverage or a separate policy from your insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program. Most homeowners insurance companies offer extra coverage for earthquakes.”

It’s always better to have coverage on as much as you can.  Bankrate shares some other items that you may want to review to see what your policy covers.

Steps to Selecting an Insurance Company for Homeowners Coverage

Whether you’re looking to compare insurance coverage, or you’re looking for the first time, U.S. News & World Report reviews the steps to take to find the homeowner’s policy that is best for you. With the help of a qualified insurance agent, you will be able to decide your coverage.

1. “Decide what you want to insure.”
2. “Determine how much insurance you need.”
3. “Choose an insurance company.”
4. “Choose a policy.”

At InsureYourCompany.com, we work with a wide variety of businesses, offering our customers a one-stop-shop for everything insurance. We’re here to help you understand the insurance coverage that is right for your business and your employees.