Safety and insurance tips
The spring and summer months are a time for barbeques, swimming
by the pool and yard work. They also are a time for severe
weather… thunderstorms, hail, floods and tornados.
Severe weather can cause a considerable amount of damage
to your home, car and property. So, how can you make sure
your belongings are protected in the event of severe weather?
The following tips can help!
Before the storm:
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Be sure you have adequate coverage and
deductibles that are reasonable for your needs by examining
your homeowner or renter’s coverage, as well as auto
insurance policies.
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Tornadoes are considered “wind-storms” and
damages caused by them are covered under homeowners insurance
policies. If a tornado damages your car, protection is
provided under the comprehensive portion of your auto policy.
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Compile a detailed written inventory of
your home and belongings, and supplement that inventory
with a videotape or photographs. Keep the inventory off-premises
in a safety deposit box. This will assist in settling claims.
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Check on the necessity and availability
of flood insurance in your area. Flood insurance is not
included in typical homeowner and renter’s insurance
policies. Call the National Flood Insurance Program at
1-800-638-6620 to learn about flood insurance in your neighborhood.
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Check to see if your policy has “loss
of use” or “additional expense” coverage.
This will help pay for temporary housing if you can’t
stay in your home due to damage caused by a storm. Many
policies cover such expenses up to a stated amount.
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Create an emergency plan, including places
the family will gather in response to emergency weather
alerts.
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When at home or in a building and threatening
weather approaches, go to the basement or interior hall.
Stay away from windows.
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Keep on hand basic supplies like water,
food, flashlights and a battery-operated radio.
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If you’re in a car or mobile home
when a tornado approaches, leave immediately. Do not try
to outrun a tornado. If you cannot locate immediate underground
shelter, lie flat in a gully or ditch. Do not get under
an overpass or a bridge!
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Call your insurance company as soon as
you can.
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Try to protect your property and salvage
what you can.
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Closely inspect property and cars for
damage. Note and photograph any damage and losses. This
will assist in settling claims.
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Be sure your agent knows how to contact
you if you can’t stay in your home.
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Above all, do not make a hasty settlement.
If possible, seek assistance from a third party.
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Be sure everything is considered in your
claim. Back-up claims with written estimates.
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Beware of home repair rip-offs. Carefully
check the background of contractors and others who promise “cheap” repairs.
Don’t pay the entire cost of repairs up-front, and
try to only do business with local, established contractors.
Before signing any contract, read the entire document,
and contact your local Better Business Bureau or the Ohio
Attorney General’s Office to see if the company has
a good customer service record.
What if I have a problem with the insurance agent
or the company?
Call the Ohio Department of Insurance at 1-800-686-1526.
The Department regulates agents and companies that are licensed
to sell insurance in Ohio. The Department’s Consumer
Services representatives can answer your insurance questions
and investigate your complaints about an insurance company
or agent.
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