A Rhode Island Insurance Agency

Be Prepared in Advance of a Hurricane

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With hurricane season in full swing, your friends at OceanPoint would like to remind you of the importance of being prepared.

According to the Weather Channel, the number of hurricanes and tropical storms begins to increase slowly through July and then rises in August, peaking in September. However, despite these statistics, there is no way of predicting exactly when these natural disasters will strike. Among the biggest hurricanes the Northeast has experienced, Irene and Katrina arrived in August, Earl in September, and Sandy hit in October just 5 years ago.

To safeguard your home from the next big hurricane, please consider the following:
  • Review the limits of your current policy. Remember, the real estate value of a house is not the same as the cost to rebuild.
  • Research what disasters are covered by your existing policy. Be sure you are covered in the event of a hurricane.
  • Examine your current policy to see if you need to add flood insurance. This specialty insurance is a necessity for coastal properties.
  • Complete a home inventory. Keeping a record of your possessions, including receipts and photos when possible, will help make the claims process much easier.
  • Secure your home. Repair loose boards, shingles, shutters, downspouts, etc. If you live near the coast, purchase and store materials you may need to board up windows.
  • Assemble a Basic Disaster Supply Kit. Include water, non-perishable food, crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, portable chargers, and a wrench for shutting off utilities.

In several states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, insurance companies offer a special deductible for hurricane damage. A hurricane deductible applies to damage caused solely from a hurricane as categorized by the National Weather Service.

While hurricane deductibles are not mandatory, many insurers require them as a condition for coverage near the coast. As an agency that provides homeowners insurance to many coastal homes, OceanPoint also represents carriers who specialize in coastal coverage that do not require hurricane deductibles.

For more information on hurricane deductibles, or if you have any questions about your homeowners’ policy, please call OceanPoint Insurance at 401.847.5200.