SOMERSET, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky insurance companies have been very busy over the past few years.

Multiple claims have been filed with many companies because of tornadoes, other types of wind damage and flooding.

The past few years have been marked by one natural disaster after another, and all of it has been costly.

“Over the last several years, we have actually had multiple billion-dollar events in Kentucky alone,” said Dan Smaldone with Kentucky Farm Bureau Communications.

Kentucky homeowners are encouraged to take some preventative steps before the storm hits.

“That might be as simple as gathering patio furniture and moving it to secure places,” Smaldone says.

Insurance officials say they don’t recommend climbing on ladders or putting yourself in harm’s way by crawling around on your roof, but if you can safely do so, take steps to prevent further damage from happening.

“Don’t want to make repairs but stabilize the damage. Put a tarp on the roof, make sure water doesn’t leak into the house and cause further damage,” said Larry Stewart of Stewart and Tucker Insurance in Somerset.

Larry Stewart says claims adjusters will likely contact you in about 24 to 48 hours. He says don’t be surprised if the total is more than you first anticipated, and that could eventually impact what you’re paying.

“We have seen across the state across the nation as you know, insurance premiums are increasing. Because of inflation, replacement costs of homes automobiles,” Stewart said.

Smaldone says the sweeping swath of destruction that has hit both ends of the state has been unusual.

“But Kentucky has absolutely been hammered by a lot; historic weather over the years,” he said.

However, insurance officials say their business is built to respond to these kinds of things. They also recommend getting to know your agent and becoming familiar with your policy before the storm hits.

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