It was heartbreaking to watch the coverage of traumatic loss and devastating damage in the wake of the Dorian storm. The humbling reality of natural disasters is that there is not much in our human strength we can do to prevent, control or mitigate their effect. Our hearts break as we watch many helplessly try to piece their lives back together after the storm.
Right now it is Dorian, but there have been many storms before and there will likely be more to come.
We don’t mean to be grim, but we do want to be helpful.
What can we do to protect ourselves from the devastating loss of hurricane damage?
We’ve already discussed that it is not within any of our power to stop an oncoming storm, however we can protect ourselves in other ways. Unfortunately, this is information that many don’t consider until the protection is necessary. Yet proactivity is the only insurance savior in the midst of natural disaster.
Adequate Insurance Coverage for Hurricane Preparation
As homeowners or renters, many of us have a policy that covers the structure of our home and our belongings in our homeowner’s insurance. However, many are unaware that as soon as a storm is named as a hurricane, that coverage becomes void. Certain coverages that may have applied prior to a hurricane being named will no longer apply.
So what kind of coverage should you secure?
Flood insurance is a critical component that homeowner’s insurance will not cover. If you don’t live in a flood zone, you might not have considered needing this type of policy. But according to Policy Genius, approximately 90% of natural disasters do include a variation of flooding. Water damage is devastating, and you will want to make sure you’re covered.
Another type of policy to look into is Windstorm Insurance. This type of policy can protect you throughout a variety of incidents. These policies cover wind and hail damage to your property, with additional coverages that can be added to your policy as needed.
Another consideration for insurance in the wake of a natural disaster is a hurricane deductible. Depending on your state, a policy may exist that assigns an out-of-pocket maximum for damages caused by an event like a hurricane. Louisiana is one of those states that does have a hurricane deductible.
The bottom line is, you want to be prepared before a natural disaster like a hurricane threatens your region. We want to help you be prepared with insurance that will take care of you in the event of an incident. Talk to one of our experts today to find out what your coverage includes, what you need, and how to protect what matters. Call (225) 927-0451 to learn more about your options.
