Hurricanes and other natural disasters can happen anywhere and anytime. Each September, National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder about the importance of preparing for such disasters and other emergencies.
September also marks the midpoint of the Atlantic hurricane season, the peak period when potentially deadly tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) urges Virginians to assess their risk and act now to protect themselves, their families and their property, both physically and financially.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The 2024 season is predicted to be a busy one, with five named storms so far. Even areas hundreds of miles from the coast can be impacted by the high winds, heavy rains and flooding that accompany hurricanes and tropical storms. Once a hurricane develops in the Atlantic, it may be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write coverage until after the storm threat passes.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect yourself and your property from a hurricane or other disaster,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Ensure that your insurance coverage is up to date so you can minimize financial damage. Review your insurance policies and know what is – and is not – covered. Talk to your insurance agent or company or contact the Bureau of Insurance if you have questions.”
White encourages policyholders to consider the following:
Keep in mind that hurricane damage is often caused by flooding, not high winds. Most homeowners, renters and commercial insurance policies issued in Virginia do not provide coverage for damage from floods, surface water or storm surge. Insurance coverage for flood damage may be available to homeowners, renters and business owners in eligible communities through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy takes effect. Consumers interested in covering losses due to flooding should talk to their insurance agent and also may learn more at www.floodsmart.gov.
Creating an inventory of your personal property including photos, videotapes and serial numbers can help facilitate the claims process if damage occurs. Keep this home inventory and your insurance policies in a secure, waterproof and fireproof container and take them with you if you evacuate. Your policies contain the policy number and insurance company’s phone number if you have questions or need to file a claim.
If your property is damaged by a hurricane, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible once the danger has subsided. To protect your property from further damage, make necessary emergency repairs. Document all damage to your property and include photographs, notes and repair-related receipts.
To learn more, contact the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185. The Bureau offers free consumer guides for homeowners and commercial property owners with information about what to do when a disaster strikes. These guides are available on its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Disaster-Readiness.
Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia