As seasons shift, so do the risks impacting your home. Whether it’s sizzling summer storms or early fall hurricanes, being proactive can make all the difference. Here are four key insurance strategies to help ensure you’re ready when extreme weather strikes.
- Review and Update Your Coverage
Check Your Dwelling and Personal Property Coverage
- Ensure you have enough dwelling coverage to rebuild after damage—not just based on market value, but on actual rebuilding costs, including recent upgrades.
- Conduct a thorough home inventory—photos, receipts, serial numbers—to calculate the value of your belongings accurately. Don’t forget to identify high-value items (like jewelry or fine art), which may need additional coverage.
Assess Liability and Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
- Liability coverage protects you from lawsuits—especially important if guests get injured during storm-related incidents.
- ALE (additional living expenses) helps cover temporary housing and essentials if your home becomes uninhabitable. Know your coverage limits and how long it will extend.
- Add Crucial Endorsements for Unexpected Issues
Service Line Coverage
- Standard home policies often exclude damage to underground utilities like water, sewer, or electrical lines. Service Line Coverage helps you avoid expensive surprises when repairs are needed.
Water Backup Coverage
- Backup from sewers, drains, or sump pumps can cause serious damage—and it’s typically not covered under a standard policy. Consider adding this endorsement to protect against such internal flooding.
- Don’t Overlook Specialized Protection
Extreme weather is unpredictable. Adding specialized endorsements helps cover specific risks and grants you peace of mind. Just as your blog has highlighted niche needs—like cyber threats for businesses or coverage for jewelry —this is the moment to tailor your policy to current threats.
- 4. Meet With Your Independent Agent
Independent agents like North American Underwriters can help you:
- Review your current policy’s gaps and limits
- Tailor endorsements like Service Line and Water Backup Coverage to your home’s unique vulnerabilities
- Offer cost-effective adjustments for improved protection—without breaking the bank
Final Thoughts
When severe weather is on the horizon, the smartest move is preparation. Whether that means beefing up your dwelling limits, securing liability protection, or adding seldom-discussed but essential coverage like water backup or service lines—every step helps. Check in with your agent now to safeguard your sanctuary before the skies turn dark.
Serving Hamden, West Hartford, Southington, New Britain, Bristol, Farmington, Plainville, and all of Connecticut, the experienced agents at North American Underwriters will work with you to ensure you have the right amount of insurance protection for your specific situation, all at a price that is right for you. To contact our office, visit https://www.nauinsurance.com or call (860) 674-4000