By Judith L. French

Ohio Dept. of Insurance

Ohio experienced a record number of tornadoes last year, leaving widespread destruction across the state. These powerful storms caused significant property damage and tragically led to loss of life.

With the arrival of storm season, the Ohio Department of Insurance urges residents to financially protect their homes and belongings, especially those living in manufactured homes. Completing an insurance review with an insurance agent can help avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event disaster strikes.

Along with engaging an agent, our Severe Weather Preparation and Recovery Toolkit is a fantastic resource, listing safety tips, property insurance insights, and insurance claim-filing guidance as well as tips to avoid property repair contractor fraud. Also, we have partnered with the Ohio Department of Commerce to provide information specifically geared to those residing in manufactured homes.

It is essential to have sufficient insurance coverage amounts and a clear understanding of the insurance policy’s deductible — the amount paid out-of-pocket before insurance applies. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any separate deductibles for wind or hail damage and to fully understand any exclusions — what is not covered — in the policy. One common exclusion is for flood damage. Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage. Flood insurance is typically a separate policy purchased through an agent.

For renters, there is renters insurance, which can be paired with a separate renters flood insurance policy to financially protect personal property, such as clothing and furniture.

Once an insurance review is completed, documenting possessions with photos and even valuations will make a potential claiming-filing process easier. A free home inventory app and printable paper version are available for download on our website, insurance.ohio.gov.

For more on flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov. For storm safety tips, go to weathersafety.ohio.gov. Ohioans with insurance questions and concerns can contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1526 and [email protected].