2014 Hurricane Storm FLOOD Disaster Tips

Описание: Be prepared for the next horrific Hurricane this 2014, with these expert storm, flood, and disaster tips.

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused 159 deaths and $50 billion in property damage. Unfortunately, hurricanes are an all-too common event on the coastal United States.
If you’re a homeowner or renter in a hurricane-prone state, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. It will allow you to repair or rebuild your home in the aftermath of a destructive storm.
Here are three steps to make sure you have the coverage to stay safe:

Step 1. Review what your home and renters insurance does – and doesn’t – cover.

Before a hurricane hits, get familiar with what your home insurance covers. For example, understand your out-of-pocket deductible and caps that may apply for categories of personal belongings, such as jewelry and computers. Also, take photos or video of all your valuables and create a home inventory so you have a record of your belongings if you ever need to make a claim.

Step 2. Consider buying flood insurance.
Typical home and renters policies don’t cover damage from floods. So, if you live in a hurricane-risk area, you need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through a private insurer or the federal National Flood Insurance Program. But remember: There’s typically a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect—so don’t wait until a hurricane is on the way because it will be too late.

Step 3. Check your deductible.
Your home or renters insurance policy typically has a fixed dollar deductible, such as $500 or $1,000. However, some states also require a hurricane deductible, which can be between 2 and 5 percent of the insured value of your home. So if you need to make a hurricane-related claim, you’ll have to pay that full amount out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Hurricanes can be frightening but if you create a safety plan, stay calm and have the right insurance you can keep your family and your finances safe