The Start Of Hurricane Season Is The Right Time To Review Insurance Needs

NEW YORK, May 31, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The arrival of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season on Friday, June 1, should prompt Americans to look at their insurance policies to determine whether they have the right coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Wind damage from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners, renters and business policies. Separate flood coverage can be purchased from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and a few private insurance companies.

In a related development today, Dr. Philip Klotzbach, a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU) and a non-resident scholar at the I.I.I., released CSU's latest 2018 Atlantic hurricane season forecast with co-author Michael Bell. Their current outlook calls for a near-average hurricane season.The Atlantic hurricane season concludes November 30.

Damage to private-passenger vehicles from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage includes wind damage, flooding and falling objects, such as tree limbs.

I.I.I. offers the following tips for consumers:

• Home insurance policies in coastal states have a hurricane deductible. The I.I.I. reminds homeowners to check their policy Declarations Page, which will list the hurricane deductible amount.
• If your home is more than five years old, talk to your insurance professional about Building Ordinance & Law coverage. This is extra protection that provides funds to rebuild or repair your home to your area's current building codes.
• Know your flood risk. Flood maps change, as does flood risk when new construction in a region changes the pattern of rain runoff.
• There are steps to take now to reduce possible damage from high winds, such as inspecting your roof and sealing around doors and windows. 

Facts and Statistics
Hurricanes
Hurricane Fact Files and Market Share by State
Flood Insurance
I.I.I. non-resident scholar, Dr. Philip Klotzbach's Latest 2018 Hurricane Forecast

Consumer and Business Resources
Hurricane Deductible Infographic (new) 
Hurricane Season Checklist—Homeowners Insurance Review
Preparing an Evacuation Plan
Avoiding Scams After a Disaster
Disaster Planning for Older Adults
Does My Business Need Flood Insurance?
Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Trees and Insurance

Background Papers
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles
Flood Insurance
Residual Market Property Plans

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

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SOURCE Insurance Information Institute