Spring Storm Season: Is Your Homeowner's Insurance Ready?
As spring storm season begins, it is crucial that you make sure that your home is ready for the weather. This needs to include reviewing your existing homeowner's insurance policy to make certain that you not only understand the coverage that you currently have but also to ensure that you have adequate coverage limits against the perils of Mother Nature. In the events that your review raises questions about your coverage, you can talk to a local insurance agent about updating your policy. Read on to learn a few things that you need to pay close attention to as you review your policy to ensure it is up to the task of protecting your home in the event of a major storm.
Review the Inclusions and Exclusions of Your Policy
It is important that you familiarize yourself with what your homeowner's insurance policy covers and excludes. A standard homeowner's insurance policy will consist of coverage for fallen trees, wind damage, tornadoes, lightning damage, some forms of water-related damage (flood is not generally included), etc. If you have recently moved to an area that is a flood zone, talk to an insurance agent about a separate policy for flood protection.
Update Your Inventory List
Spring storm season is a great time to take a hard look at your home inventory list and update it with any recently purchased expensive items. Make sure to take photographs of these items and document their descriptions along with the date of purchase and retail price. For higher-valued items, endorsements may be necessary.
Review Your Policy Coverage Levels
There is a good chance that the cost to rebuild your home will change as each year passes. If it has been some time since you have checked the coverage levels of your homeowner's policy, then it is time to check them before inclement weather approaches and potential damage occurs to your home. In doing so, you will help ensure that you will receive the funds necessary to rebuild your home in the event that your home is damaged extensively in a spring (or future) storm.
One of the best ways to minimize the risk of damage to your home from spring-related storms is to ensure that you have taken the time to review your homeowner's insurance policy and update it where necessary. Talk to a local insurance agent, such as at ALTRE Insurance Agency Inc, for any questions that you may have and for assistance in properly assessing your coverage.
