Hurricanes

Preparing for Hurricane Damage!

Because nature is unpredictable, let us help you prepare for the worst and sleep a little easier. These valuable tips can proactively keep you, your family, and your possessions as safe as possible during a hurricane.

It’s good to review your policy with your agent for a detailed explanation of your coverage as it relates to natural disaster catastrophes. 

We know the dramatic effect hurricanes can have, both the initial wind and rain and the floods and devastation that follow. There are steps you can take to stay safe and reduce damage to your property in the event of a storm.

Note that neither home nor business insurance covers flood damage from a hurricane, including floods from storm surges. Your local independent agent can help you purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Before a Hurricane    

*Install storm shutters.

* Remove yard debris that could become flying missiles.

* Have a safe place to park your cars and/or store your boat.

* Make sure you, your family and/or employees know how to shut off utilities.

* Look through your emergency kit to ensure it is fully stocked and up to date with necessities for all household members, including pets.

* Back up computer records and store them at least 50 miles off site.

* Gather important papers to take with you if you must evacuate, including inventory lists and insurance information.

During a Hurricane

* Know your community's evacuation plan and, if asked to evacuate, do so immediately.

* Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Avoid elevators. 

* Avoid washed out and wet roads that can hide downed electrical lines or underlying currents that can carry your vehicle away.

After a Hurricane 

Water is a major cause of damage after hurricanes. The longer your house is exposed to water, the more damage you’ll see to your roof, ceiling, walls, and floors, as well as any personal belongings inside. After the storm has passed, it’s important to dry out any water damaged inside your home.

* Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate and speed up the drying process.

* Board up broken windows and doors.

* Cover roof damage with tarps or plywood.

* Save receipts for any temporary repair expenses.

* Cover broken car windows with tarps or plastic sheeting.

* Move any wet items to a dry place

* If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later 

The most important thing is to make sure you and your family are safe. 

Things can be replaced.

Have other questions? Need a quote?

                

                                                                    

                 
         

* Visit brockmanpremierins.com

* Call  877-987-8683 

*Email  quote@brockmanpremier.com

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Flood Insurance

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

The Basics

People often assume flood is covered by their home insurance policy. No home insurance policy covers flood damage.  Consumers are not required to carry flood insurance unless they are in a high risk Flood Zone. In that case, their home mortgage company (if they have one) will require a flood insurance policy. You should talk to your agent and make sure you know if you should have a flood policy or not, regardless of which zone you are in. 

   Your flood policy has a Dec page, just like every other insurance policy. It will “declare” who you are, what property you have covered, the insurance limits you have chosen and how much you are paying.

   Flood Insurance is written through the federal government under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program regardless of who you buy the policy from. There are various levels of coverage and deductibles to choose from. You will have a separate deductible for both the building and the contents. Unlike Home and Auto insurance, Flood insurance only covers You. There is no “other party” liability in a flood policy. Keep in mind- two properties, or two acres, have to be flooded for the event to be considered a flood. Your hot water heater overflowing and flooding your hallway is not covered by flood insurance.

Building Coverage: This covers physical damage to your home due to rising flood waters, and it covers the building and its foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, a/c equipment, furnaces, walls, flooring… etc. The amount of building coverage should be based on your dwelling/replacement cost amount on your home insurance policy. The flood cannot be higher than the home insurance amount and it usually caps at $250,000 for residential homes.

Contents Coverage: This covers physical damage to personal property such as clothing, furniture, electronics, certain valuable items, such as artwork (up to $2500). It will not cover currency or precious metals.


Deductibles: The Building and Contents coverage have a separate deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, but the more you will pay out of pocket in the case of a claim. (Just like in Homeowners insurance)  

  That’s Flood coverage. It is a simpler Dec page than home and auto with fewer coverages to understand. But please make sure you do understand what it will and will not cover and how much coverage you need to have. 
Have other questions? Need a quote?    * Call us  877-987-8683  
    * Visit brockmanpremierins.com