Did you know that the United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country in the world? Indeed it does! And the damage they leave behind accounted for more than one-third of insured catastrophe losses between 1997 and 2016..
In the event a tornado touches down near you, it’s always important to know the best ways to keep your family safe – and how to rebuild after the storm. Here are some questions to ask yourself before a tornado warning goes into effect.
There’s no place like it – and it’s yours, so make sure you protect it. Let’s talk.
Q: IS MY HOME COVERED IF A TORNADO STRIKES?
A: Tornado damage typically falls into two categories: wind damage and water damage.
Wind Damage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover wind damage caused by a tornado, since wind is considered a covered peril. That means wind damage to your roof, windows and siding will generally be taken care of by your insurance company. (Learn more about homeowners insurance.)
Water-related damage, however, is a different story.
Flooding or Surface Water Damage
Damage from flooding or surface water is excluded in your homeowners policy. So, for example, if you live near a creek and a severe thunderstorm causes it to overflow into your basement – that’s a flood, so cleanup and damage isn’t covered under a standard homeowners policy.
However, if the water damage directly results from the covered peril – in this instance, wind – then it might be covered, depending on your policy. For example: Let’s say a wind gust during the tornado shatters your front window and the rain pours in all over your living room damaging the drywall and carpet. Unlike the overflowing creek example, the water damage in this example could be covered since the original source of the damage was the tornado itself (a covered peril).
Every situation is different, so check with your insurance agent to understand how this applies to you.
Flood Insurance
Flood damage has to be purchased separately – and there’s a 30-day waiting period before your policy will go into effect. That’s because flood insurance is federally regulated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program.
Always check your policy or ask your agent if you have specific questions about what’s covered in your home.
Q: IS MY VEHICLE COVERED FROM TORNADO DAMAGE?
A: During a tornado, flying debris can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Your auto insurance may cover the damage, but it depends on how it happens.
It can be extremely dangerous to drive during a tornado warning or on the flooded roads of the aftermath, so please don’t drive unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you get into an accident while driving, collision coverage can take care of the repairs.
When things besides a car accident damage your car – such as flying debris, a falling tree branch or vandalism – that’s when comprehensive coverage would come into play. Comprehensive coverage is optional under your auto insurance policy.
Q: HOW ELSE SHOULD I PREPARE FOR TORNADO SEASON?
A: A tornado can damage more than your house. It can also affect the things inside that make your house a home. To be prepared in the event of a tornado, keep a home inventory, or a list of your possessions. This will help ensure you have the right coverage, and make it easier to quickly file a claim. It’s also a good idea to have a home emergency kit. This can help keep you and your family comfortable if a tornado causes you to lose power or running water.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Tornado season or not, a little preparation can give you big peace of mind. At Martin Insurance Agency, our goal is to guide you to the right policy and be there for you if disaster ever strikes.
And as a full service agency, we can walk you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have to give you the peace of mind that you deserve.
