Hurricane Preparedness Tips
It is now Hurricane Season. Do you know where your policy is? Immediately following a storm, your insurance policy can provide you with important information about the coverages provided by your insurance policy. For instance, did you know that most homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for the removal of debris from your property. This coverage typically contains a special sublimit of coverage and can be found in the Additional Coverages section of your policy.
The declarations of the policy will also provide you with valuable information for reporting claims, such as:
- Name of Insurance Carrier
- Phone number, email address, or fax number for reporting a claim;
- Policy number;
- Name of your insurance agent; and
- Amount of your Hurricane Deductible
In the unfortunate event a hurricane or named storm hits your area, chances are you will not be the only homeowner impacted by the storm. You will not be the only person trying to report a hurricane claim. People will be scrambling to submit their claims. Some people may not even remember the name of their homeowners insurance carrier or their insurance agent. They will not have the information necessary to report their claims.
Being able to promptly report your claim and provide this information will put you ahead of the game. In the event you consult with an insurance claims attorney, it will provide him or her the information necessary to counsel you and protect your rights under the insurance policy.
Yes, you can request a copy of your insurance policy from your carrier after the storm but how long do you think that will take. Instead of waiting for your insurance company to provide you with a copy of your policy, you have it with you.
I recommend printing out a copy of your policy and placing it in a watertight container or sealable plastic bag. It is true many insurance company’s allow homeowners to obtain a copy of their policy through its website but in the time after a hurricane power, internet and cellular phone coverage can often be scarce. Be prepared.
If you are able to download a copy of your insurance policy, then now is the time to do it. Download it, Save it and Print it.
If your insurance carrier does not allow you to obtain copy of your insurance policy through its website, then request a copy from your insurance carrier or your insurance agent.
