Hurricane and Storm Season Tips

Hurricane season begins June 1, and Insurance Commissioner Jim Long urges North Carolinians to be prepared for any storms that may come our way. No matter where in North Carolina you live — from the coastal region through the piedmont and up into the mountains — history has shown that we are all vulnerable to the threat of severe weather.

The following are some tips for preparing for this season and some resources for citizens.

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

COVERED		NOT COVERED
repairs or replacement* of your home if damaged by certain events, including wind damage		damage caused by flood waters, landslide, mudslide or mud flow
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		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.
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		only charges above and beyond your normal and customary expenses are covered
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		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 (NFIP), but talk to your agent. Many local agents can help you purchase a policy.
• Call the 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.

Information from the N.C. Dept. of Insurance

« this page last modified 05/14/07 »