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Natural disasters are an unfortunate part of life. As prepared as you might be, sometimes they can wreak havoc on your home. Tornadoes can be especially harmful to your home. Every year, tornadoes kill about 70 people and injure approximately 1,500 people. Even if you do not live in an area that is typically known for tornadoes, they can still occur. Tornadoes have been recorded in every state in the USA. Before a tornado whizzes through your town, here are some things you should know.
Is tornado damage covered by home insurance?
Unlike floods, damage caused by tornadoes is typically covered under your homeowners insurance policy. However, tornadoes can cause serious damage to your home. It’s a good idea to review your policy to make sure that the coverage limits will be substantial enough in the event of a tornado. If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, you should talk to your agent to get it sorted out before disaster occurs.
Will my car insurance protect me from a tornado?
If you have a car, your general liability insurance coverage is not enough to protect you from tornadoes. In order to have protection, you would need a comprehensive car insurance policy. Comprehensive insurance helps to cover damage that is not caused by a car accident. In this case, it would help protect against tornado damage. The same applies if you own a motorcycle.
What to do during a tornado
If a tornado is approaching your home, secure your valuables and immediately find shelter. The best place to go is in a basement or cellar. If your home does not have one, then try to find a room or closet without windows. If you are in a car when a tornado is approaching, the best thing to do is to exit your vehicle and find shelter in a building. Tornadoes are serious and it’s best to create an emergency plan before they strike. You should also have extra food and water available in case your power goes out.
What to do after a tornado
After a tornado comes through, there can be significant damage done to your home or car. Make sure to document any damage with photos and videos. You should file a claim with your insurance company if applicable. Hire a professional to assess damage to your house. You may need to make repairs to roofs or windows. If there are any fallen trees, call a landscaping company to remove them. It’s always best to get a professional to help. That way, you can make sure that your home is in good care and you avoid personal injury.
Tornadoes are destructive natural disasters, but luckily, your homeowners insurance can help protect you. Call your agent to talk about your coverage limits and ways to protect your home. They can help you answer any additional questions about damage associated with tornadoes.
