Given recent storms here in Indiana I have more customers asking questions. Is that terrible that I love storm season for this reason? People asking questions about their insurance policy is exciting because I know my customers are really thinking about their protection.
Insurance lingo can be beyond frustrating. In generic terms one of the most commonly asked questions I receive is on fallen trees. Do I have coverage for trees? Well...sort of! By this I mean that yes there is some coverage. Your insurance policy insures you buildings & structures on your property not land, trees, shrubs, plants. However, there are some "additional coverage's" added back into the policy that does provide you some coverage for trees.
Here is how that breaks down...
If the tree falls during a storm and damages something your insurance policy does cover like your home, or an out structure like a storage barn, or a fence then some coverage is available. Now this varies from insurance policy to insurance policy. Most policies pay whatever the cost to remove the tree off of the building or item it is resting on and drop it to the ground, once on the ground most carriers pay or allow up to $500 for removal from the property. Always keep your deductible in mind as well. Your policy deductible does apply to each claim you file on your homeowners policy.
It is complicated at times but that is what your agent is there for. If you have a question just call. Those questions keep us agents in the policies where we belong. Your insurance policy is a contract you purchase for your dollars to protect what you work hardest for, make sure you understand what it protects.
When a bad storm has caused damage there are some steps you are required to do per the policy. These words "protect the property from further damage" mean exactly what they say. For instance, if you have damage to your roof after a storm that may have left an opening into your home. This temporary repair, or tarping off the damaged area, whatever you need to do within reason to protect that property from being further damaged by rain or storms that continue is a duty you as an insured have under the policy provisions.
Getting repairs without contacting your insurance carrier is a big no no under the provisions of your homeowners policy as well. Under a section of your policy boldly labeled DUTIES OF THE INSURED you will find that the insurance company must have a right to inspect your damage. If you quickly repair your damages without the insurance carrier having the right to inspect it first your claim could not be covered.
Things to consider if you do suffer storm damage. Take photos of the damage, if you have damage to personal property make an inventory of those items, and have temporary repairs completed to protect your property from further damage. Call your insurance agent or file a claim with your carrier as quickly as possible to get your claim moving faster.
As always, prepare your family for heavy storms and be safe. Find a safe place in your home and ride out the storms there it is always a safe bet to seek shelter. The National Weather Service website offers storm preparedness tips along with WTHR's weather page here in Indianapolis. For coverage questions seek out your agent and read your policy. At Brookson Insurance we've got you covered.
www.brooksoninsurance.com
Be safe out there!
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
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