Home Insurance:June is Still Peak Tornado Season: Are you Ready?

The country has already suffered severe damage and devastation from storms and tornados this year. The peak season for tornados in the midwest is actually March through June. Are you prepared? Do you know what to do before and after the storm hits? Missouri is considered at high risk for tornados and is in "tornado alley," which places the state in the top five for tornado activity. Tornado damage is covered by your basic home insurance policy under wind damage, but it is important to know what to do after the tornado to make a claim and ensure the most smooth payoff. Of course the most important thing is the safety of your loved ones. Once you know everyone is safe, follow the steps below so you are prepared to make your claim. Minimize damage: Protect the property from further damage, make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property and keep an accurate record of repair expenses. This could be as easy as putting a tarp over your belongings to decrease water damage. Take notes: Surprisingly, weeks later when claims are being made, many people forget the time and date the damage occurred. Make a note of it somewhere you can easily reference. Also, make an inventory of all damage to the property and all damaged personal property. Call your agent or insurance company as soon as possible: It is important to call your agent and insurance company right away to make sure your claim gets processed promptly. If possible, it may even be helpful to take pictures of the damage for reference. A few other helpful tips: Have your agent make sure your policy covers your house at "replacement cost" and not "actual cash value". You don't want your house valued at what you paid for it in the event it has increased in value. If you incur additional living expenses or loss of rent, be sure to keep and submit receipts and records. Examples include staying at a hotel while your property is being repaired, or losing rent because tenants are forced to live elsewhere for a time period. As always, it is best to go over your specific home policy with your agent. Call the Crawford-Butz office at (314) 752-2500 with any questions or concerns. We are here to serve you and your family this tornado season and always!