SCC: Review Coverage, Plan Now for Hurricanes and Other Disasters

HAMPTON ROADS — September is National Preparedness Month, an annual call to action to prepare for disasters and other emergencies that can happen anywhere and anytime.

With almost three months to go in hurricane season, the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance is urging Virginians to act now to assess their risk and protect themselves and their families physically and financially against disasters.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect yourself and your property from a hurricane or other disaster,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date so you can minimize financial damage. Review your insurance policies and know what is — and is not — covered. Talk to your insurance agent or company or contact the Bureau if you have questions.”

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Late August to early October is often the most dangerous and active time for tropical storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean. Even areas hundreds of miles from the coast can be impacted by the high winds, heavy rains and flooding that accompany hurricanes and tropical storms, according to the Bureau. Once a hurricane develops in the Atlantic, it may be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write coverage until after the storm threat passes.

The Bureau encourages Virginians to consider the following:

• Does your homeowners policy contain a special deductible for wind or hurricane losses? These deductibles are applied separately from any other deductible on a homeowners policy and may be written as a flat amount, such as $1,000, or applied to a loss as a percentage of the insurance coverage on the dwelling.
• Does your homeowners policy provide coverage for sewer backup? Most homeowners policies do not provide coverage for sewer backup, but policyholders may purchase additional coverage for this.
• Are vehicles covered in the event of a hurricane or windstorm? If you have other-than-collision (or comprehensive) coverage for your vehicle under your automobile policy, your vehicles generally will be covered for flood and wind damage.

The Bureau says if your property is damaged by a hurricane, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. To protect your property from further damage, make necessary emergency repairs once the danger has subsided. Document all damage to your property and include photographs, notes and repair-related receipts.