All of us at Wichert Insurance are so ready for the long, cold, dark winter months to be over. Spring is right around the corner, and we just can’t wait for everything to turn bright and green again.
Unfortunately, the spring has its own cloudy side to it, too. Thanks to the clash of warm and cold air during spring and early summer, the atmosphere is ripe for tornadic activity. Even though tornadoes are most common in the area of the country known as Tornado Alley, these natural disasters can leave a trail of destruction anywhere in just a few minutes’ time.
At the same time, snow melt from northern regions mixed with heavy rainfall during the spring can overwhelm rivers and streams. Plus, with the ground still frozen in many places, all of that extra water doesn’t have anywhere to go. Even areas that don’t get a lot of heavy rainfall can be impacted by flooding. You do not need to live near a body of water to be susceptible to flooding.
So, alas, the spring sunshine is frequently accompanied by tornado and flood season. Given this unfortunate pairing, we want to make sure that our clients are prepared for whatever the weather forecast may bring.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance for Flood and Tornado Coverage
It’s important to know the ins and outs of your homeowners policy when it comes to these dramatic weather events.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that their standard home insurance policy covers floods, but in reality, most of these policies do not include flood protection. Flood insurance must be purchased separately.
Tornado damage, on the other hand, is typically covered under a standard homeowner’s policy, but you may need special coverage if you live in specific, high-risk areas. It’s best to check in with your local, independent Wichert agent to confirm what your insurance covers. Make note of any wind/hail deductibles that may be different from your policy deductible as well.
Be Prepared for Potential Weather Events
Of course you want to protect yourself and your family from tornadoes and floods in addition to your property. You can prepare your family for these potential weather events by:
- Creating an Emergency Kit: Keep a kit in an easy-to-reach place, complete with essentials like food, water, medications, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
- Securing Important Documents: Make copies of important documents, like insurance policies, IDs, and financial records, and store them in a waterproof and fireproof container.
- Reinforcing Your Property: If you know your home is in a tornado-prone area, you may want to reinforce your home with storm shutters or a safe room. For flood-prone areas, consider elevating your utilities, like water heaters and electrical panels, to prevent outages or permanent water damage to these critical systems.
How to File a Claim after a Natural Disaster
If the worst-case scenario happens, our Wichert team knows the crisis you’re in. We’re here to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. There are three key steps to file an insurance claim:
- Document Your Losses: Take photos and videos of the damage, before you begin cleaning up.
- Contact Your Wichert Insurance Agent: Notify us as soon as possible so we can help you through this time.
- Meet with an Adjuster: As part of the claims process, you will need to meet with an adjuster who will assess the damage and provide a report for your claim.
Wichert Helps Our Clients Weather the Storms
While we hope the spring season is filled with sunny days and peaceful nights, it’s best to be prepared for the wild weather spring is also known for. Your local, independent Wichert agent is here to provide personalized guidance as we ensure you have just the right coverage for your home and family’s needs.
We can help you understand the nuances of your policy, review your coverage needs, and recommend additional protections for tornadoes and flooding. We want to make sure you feel fully prepared, so you can enjoy each blissful, spring day.
Make sure your property is protected with the right insurance coverage. Call Wichert Insurance today for a quote and secure your peace of mind, no matter what the season may bring.