June marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Although hurricanes don’t often make a big impact on our area, Southeastern PA has had its fair share of damaging rain and wind from these massive storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal hurricane season this year. Weather forecasts being what they are, there is no way to know for sure what will happen. The bottom line is that predictions lead to better preparation.
Homeowners in Montgomery and Bucks Counties are well aware that most storms fizzle out long before they make their way up the coast. But there is always that chance for one to keep enough strength to cause severe damage in our region. That’s why local homeowners need to be prepared for a hurricane. The risk might be low, but it’s not zero. And the damage from just one storm can be devastating. It’s far better to know what protections you have in place – insurance or otherwise – before this storm season gets into high gear.
How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Summer Storms and Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are not the only storms that cause serious damage in the region. Over the past several years, Montgomery and Bucks County homeowners have experienced multiple storms that brought heavy rain and strong winds down on their property.
If you have ever noticed water damage in your ceiling, or seen puddles in your basement, you know that water gets in fast and wreaks havoc. Sometimes the wind works just as fast. The region is home to thousands of aging trees, many weakened by disease, that are just waiting for the right amount of force to knock down their heavy branches, or topple them completely. Are you worried about your roof or the trees around your property any time the wind picks up? If so, it’s time to get up to speed on what is covered under your homeowners policy.
Standard policies cover property damage that is caused by wind, hail, lightning, or falling trees. Whether the event is an actual hurricane, or just a really strong Nor’easter, your home and the other structures on your property are covered. Homeowners insurance will cover the cost of repairs, replacements, and temporary housing based on the extent of the damage and coverage limits.
Flooding is not generally covered under a standard policy. This comes as a shock to many homeowners, especially when they are standing in several inches of water while they start their insurance claim. Flood insurance is a separate product that helps homeowners deal with the aftermath of a storm. If you have any concerns about water getting into your home, call your agent to learn more about the benefits and affordability of a flood insurance policy.
Homeowners Insurance and Pre-existing Damage
The purpose of homeowners insurance is to provide financial coverage for unexpected problems. Unfortunately, far too many people view their insurance policy as a home improvement slush fund. This is a dangerously expensive idea. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their homes against the normal wear and tear of time and nature. They cannot let their structures and systems fall apart, and then wait for a big storm to cause the final blow that forces insurance to provide brand new replacements.
When a claims adjustor visits a home following a damaging storm (or any qualifying event), they will look for pre-existing damage that will not be covered under the current claim. These are a few examples of what this means:
• The long-time small leaks in a roof will not be included in the claim for the tree branch that punched a hole in an area on the other side of the house.
• The siding that was damaged by hail will be replaced, but not the siding that was damaged by kids throwing baseballs against the house every spring and summer.
• If the wooden walls of an old garage are clearly termite infested and rotting, it might not be a qualifying claim that the structure collapsed due to high winds.
Even a flood insurance policy will exclude certain water damage if it could have been prevented by system (e.g. sump pump) or foundational maintenance. Insurance exists to correct sudden, unavoidable incidents. It will not cover all the other problems that have been building up over time.
Prepare for Summer Storms by Knowing Your Insurance Policies
When damaging winds, hail, and high levels of precipitation are in the forecast, it’s a good idea to consider the what-ifs around your home and property. If your property is getting older, you may have some vulnerabilities that could be updated ahead of the heavy storm season. Home inspectors are a great resource for getting a full home evaluation. These professionals provide a comprehensive report on what problems you might be facing in the near future. Smyrl Insurance works with many reputable home inspection companies and would be happy to provide a trusted referral.
Even without a professional assessment, you probably have a good idea of what maintenance your home could use. Do you have aging trees, loose shingles, rattling windows, or cracking cement? Does your sump pump make funny sounds when there is a lot of rain, or have you noticed small amounts of water anywhere in your home? Start working on these home improvements so that your home will be prepared for the next Nor’easter.
If the big hurricane is definitely on track for the Mid-Atlantic region, get a clear idea of what you need to protect and what coverage you have. Take a home inventory with pictures of your valuables, especially serial numbers when applicable. Consider moving expensive artwork and electronics away from windows. Back up your hard drives, and have a plan in case the power goes out for more than 24 hours.
Also, find out what your homeowners insurance covers. Give your agent a call to review your deductibles, verify whether you have “actual cash value” or “replacement cost” coverage, and to find out your policy limits and exclusions. If you don’t believe that your insurance is enough to cover potential losses, your agent can offer alternatives like higher limits or an umbrella policy.
Be Ready for Wet Weather This Summer
While we’re all looking forward to a summer of sunshine and light breezes, storms usually make their way through the region as well. Review your insurance policies so that the weather doesn’t throw a wet blanket over all your summer plans. At Smyrl Insurance, we are serious about making sure homeowners understand their insurance policies, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. We educate, nurture, and empower our clients through insurance so that they don’t have additional surprises about their coverage when a qualifying event does occur. If you aren’t completely sure how much coverage you have against a storm, or any other property damage, give us a call. We’ll be happy to review your current policy and help you determine if you have the right homeowners insurance for your circumstances. We provide homeowners, umbrella, renters, auto, and other types of insurance for clients in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout the region in Montgomery County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
