As the height of hurricane season approaches, Connecticut residents must ensure they are adequately prepared to protect their homes and belongings. The Atlantic hurricane season, from June 1 to November 30, can bring powerful storms that pose significant risks to property and personal safety. At Petruzelo Insurance, we want to help you safeguard your assets with these essential insurance tips.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
The first step in preparing for hurricane season is to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Standard policies typically cover damage from windstorms but may exclude flooding. Ensure your policy provides adequate coverage for wind-related damage to your home and personal property. If your policy limits are insufficient, consider increasing them to cover potential repair or replacement costs.
Consider Flood Insurance
Hurricanes often bring heavy rains and storm surges, leading to flooding. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Purchasing a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer can provide peace of mind. Remember, there is usually a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance to take effect, so act promptly.
Document Your Belongings
Create an inventory of your personal belongings, including photos and descriptions. This documentation will be invaluable when filing a claim for damaged or lost items. Store this inventory in a safe, easily accessible place, such as a cloud storage service, to ensure it remains intact even if your home is damaged.
Understand Your Deductibles
Hurricane deductibles differ from standard deductibles and are typically calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value. Review your policy to understand your hurricane deductible and ensure you have the financial resources to cover it in case of a storm.
Stay Informed
Keep abreast of weather updates and emergency alerts from reliable sources. Familiarize yourself with your community’s evacuation routes and have a family emergency plan. Preparing an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents is also crucial.
Maintain Your Property
Take proactive steps to minimize potential damage from hurricanes. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent branches from damaging your home, secure outdoor furniture and other items that could become projectiles in high winds, and ensure your roof and windows are in good condition.
At Petruzelo Insurance, we are committed to helping Connecticut residents protect their homes and families. By taking these steps and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, you can face hurricane season with greater confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to review your policies and make sure you’re fully prepared for the upcoming storms.