Hurricane Joaquin: Insurance Trade says Prepare Now
RALEIGH, N.C. - With Hurricane Joaquin on the horizon and forecast to potentially hit the east coast, The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is urging property owners to take some basic precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
“This system could be bring some major flooding to several areas along the east coast,” said Chris Hackett, PCI’s director of personal lines policy. While it’s still uncertain whether it will make a direct hit, impact will be felt and this is a good reminder for residents to get prepared now.”
In addition to making sure you have your emergency kit and plan ready, it is also a good idea to take precautionary measures to prevent damage to vulnerable property. “If coastal residents and others in the area are ordered to evacuate, they should be prepared to do so. Once the residents return to their homes, they should report claims to their insurer as soon as possible so insurers can begin the recovery process,” added Hackett.
“Insurers and catastrophe teams will be ready to respond on scene should Hurricane Joaquin create significant damage. PCI and other industry groups are constantly working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, to assist homeowners and business owners prepare for disasters.”
Flooding from storm surge during hurricanes and tropical storms can be especially dangerous for residents along the coast and further inland. According to the National Weather Service, rising water levels can cause extreme flooding, particularly when a storm surge coincides with normal high tide. In some cases, storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. “It’s important homeowners, especially those who have never been through a storm, know that flood insurance is not covered by your standard homeowners policy, and you may want to purchase additional coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. Keep in mind that there’s typically a 30-day waiting period between the date of purchase and when flood coverage takes effect,” said Hackett.
PCI recommends the following hurricane precautions:
• Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement costs, or actual cash value for a covered loss.
• Inventory your household items, and photograph or videotape them for further documentation. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place.
• Keep the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Protect your property by covering all windows with plywood or shutters, moving vehicles into the garage when possible and placing grills and patio furniture indoors.
• Keep all receipts for any repairs so your insurance company can reimburse you.
• Check with your insurance adjuster for referrals to professional restoration, cleaning and salvage companies if additional assistance is needed.
Make sure watercraft are stored in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowner’s policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provide broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boat, yachts, jet skis and wave runners. Additional information can be found on PCI’s Hurricane Headquarters Page.
Also follow PCI on twitter use #Joaquin for latest information and insurance tips.
PCI Resources:
Hurricane Joaquin: Prepare Now
