Ensuring that our clients receive proper
compensation for their insurance losses.

Before a storm:

• Review your homeowners policy with your agent. Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, and in some coastal areas, windstorm coverage is also excluded from the standard policy.
• Some residents may qualify for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, 1-800-638-6620
• Outer Banks property owners are eligible to purchase protection under a program called the Beach Plan. The Plan offers coverage for fire, lightning, theft, wind and hail. For more information on the Beach Plan call 1-800-662-7048.
• Tenants should consider purchasing coverage for their personal property through renters insurance.
• Property owners should consider whether to insure their property for the replacement cost or actual cash value. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to rebuild your home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality without deducting for depreciation. Depreciation is the decrease in home or property value since the time it was built or purchased due to age or wear. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair damage to your home after depreciation (RCV less depreciation equal ACV). Most standard homeowners policies cover the contents of your home on an actual cash value basis. Many insurers offer an option for you to insure your property at replacement cost. The premium may be slightly higher for this coverage, however, you may want to consider the option.
• Make a list of your belongings and record them on film with still photos or videotape. Include a close-up shot of the day’s newspaper. Keep your inventory list along with purchase receipts, pictures and your insurance policy in a safe-deposit box or other safe place away from your home. If you are forced to evacuate, take a copy of your insurance policy with you.
• Take action to protect your property; cover your windows with storm shutters, siding or plywood. Move vehicles into garages, if possible; otherwise park them near your home away from trees. Move grills, patio furniture and potted plants into the house or garage. Clear your yard of loose objects that can become airborne missiles. Tie down anything you can’t bring in.

After the storm:

• Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible and ask for instructions on what to do until your adjuster arrives. Keep detailed notes of your conversations with insurance representatives.
• Begin preparing an inventory of personal property damaged or destroyed and take pictures of the damaged property.
• Protect your property from further damage. Your reasonable expenses to protect your property are part of the loss and are generally reimbursed by insurance companies. Keep all receipts.
• Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
• If necessary, rent temporary shelter. If your home is uninhabitable because of physical damage, most homeowners’ policies will pay additional living expenses while your property is being repaired. Lack of power or water generally is not considered physical damage and, therefore, additional living expenses may not be covered. Before renting temporary shelter, check with your insurance company or agent to determine what expenses will be reimbursed.

Common coverage concerns:
• Damage to your home from fallen trees is covered under most homeowners’ policies. Most companies will pay to have trees removed from the damaged structure, such as your home, garage or fence, but may not pay to remove the tree from your yard or will only pay the internal policy limit for tree debris removal from the premises.
• Most homeowners’ policies cover damages to appliances that result from a power surge when power is restored to your home. Some electronic components may not be covered.
• Most homeowners’ policies cover food which spoils due to power loss only if the individual feeder line to your home is down, not in instances of widespread power failure.
• Storm-related injuries to others on your property are covered by most homeowners’ policies under your medical payments coverage's.
• Damage to your parked vehicle from a fallen tree is covered under your comprehensive automobile insurance.
• Most automobile insurance companies will hold drivers at fault for single car accidents that occur as a result of weather conditions. One insurance point is assigned for accidents resulting in property damage in excess of $1,000 or less. Two insurance points are assigned for accidents resulting in property damage in excess of $1,000 but less than $2,000. Three insurance points are assigned for accidents resulting in property damage of $2,000 or more. Insurance points are separate and have no bearing on DMV points.
• Call the Consumer Services Division of the Department of Insurance toll free at 1-800-JIM LONG (546-5664) or 919-733-2032 if you have additional coverage questions or concerns.