From AAACincy
The tri-state area will continue to be impacted by strong winds with the potential for more flooding. A storm’s impact can cause damage to vehicles and homes, bringing headaches for homeowners and renters alike.
Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The average flood claim is more than $45,000, but many homeowners don’t realize they could be at risk.
Storm damage at Wiseway Florence.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) says just an inch of water can cause damage to your property, and flash floods can bring waves of water many feet high. Flooding can also occur due to clogged drains or pipes. In addition, new construction in or around a home can cause water to flow into unexpected areas and cause flooding.
“Floods can happen anywhere, even in low- or moderate-risk flood zones,” says John Crawford, Regional Insurance Manager for AAA. “Some floods develop slowly, while flash floods can develop without warning in just a few minutes. It’s important to understand what is and is not covered by your insurance policy Many people are not aware that homeowners insurance does not cover floods. Taking a few simple precautions today can minimize impacts and help keep you and your loved ones safer.”
Federal law requires flood insurance for federally financed loans if you live in a high-risk flood zone, and lenders may require it for moderate risk zones. Standard home and commercial insurance policies do not have flood coverage. A separate flood policy is needed for flood coverage.
AAA Insurance experts offer tips on how to deal with aftermath of new challenges that a strong storm may bring:
Auto Insurance Claims:
• Car owners should contact their insurance company to determine the extent of coverage before seeking repairs.
• Take photographs of any visible damage.
• Any vehicle sustaining flood damage should be fully inspected before being allowed back on the road. Mechanical components, computer systems, engine, transmission, axles, brake system and fuel system impacted by water contamination may render the vehicle unfit to drive and in many cases vehicles sustaining significant water damage will be determined to be a total loss.
• Physical damage to a car caused by heavy wind, flooding, or fallen tree limbs is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto policy.
• If your car is damaged by a fallen tree or limbs, you would need to file a claim using your vehicle policy’s comprehensive coverage.
• Collision coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another car, object or as a result of flipping over.
Damage to a Boone County home.
Homeowners Insurance Claims:
• The first step to recovery is inspecting your home for damage and then notifying your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Prepare an inventory and take photographs of damaged property.
• Store undamaged property in a protected place if possible.
• If carpet is soaked, remove the carpet and the carpet pad. Keep a two-foot square piece for the claims adjuster.
• Look for hazards such as broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances and damaged sewage systems.
• Proceed with extreme caution as you inspect your basement. There may be hazards from electrical lines and heating units. If your basement has flooded, do not pump it out all at once. Remove about one-third of the water per day. The wet ground surrounding your basement may cause the floors to buckle and the walls to collapse.
• Remove contaminated materials from the home. Be aware of exposure to mold.
• Carpeting, mattresses and upholstered furniture should be disposed of or cleaned and disinfected by a professional cleaner.
• Cover broken windows and other holes to prevent further damage.
• Test drywall for moisture softness. If soft, cut holes at base to help dry out.
• If possible run AC, dehumidifier and fans constantly.
• If power is out, disconnect all computers and appliances from electrical sources.
• Open cabinet doors and elevate furniture allowing air to circulate.
• Save wet books or photo albums by putting them on edge in a frost free freezer.
• Be present when the adjuster inspects your damage.
