Do Homeowners Need Additional Coverage for Hurricanes?

As the country approaches the end of hurricane season, the east coast did not escape unscathed. Hurricane Matthew recently left a swatch of destruction from Haiti through the Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Residents of Blue Ridge, GA need to make sure their homes are protected from natural disasters such as hurricanes. Do typical home insurance policies cover hurricane damage? Is there any additional protection that is needed? The Insurance Mart has the important answers below.

Hurricanes typically cause their damage in two different ways. The first of this is high winds. Hurricanes have sustained winds of at least 75 MPH and can reach wind speeds of 200 MPH. These winds are strong enough to completely rip a home off of its foundation and cause a total loss. Residents will be happy to know that most home insurance policies cover damage due to high winds. On the other hand, make sure that the policy completes covers wind damage and make sure the policy also covers personal belongings inside the home in addition to the structure. Hurricanes can sweep away items inside the home.                                                                                                                                                             Unfortunately, most home insurance policies do not cover damage due to water. Another element of hurricanes, storm surges can bring catastrophic flooding to homes in its path. These waters can sweep away homes or at the very least cause substantial damage to the structure and the items inside the home. Residents should look into purchasing additional flood insurance coverage to protect against the potential for major damage caused by floods. Furthermore, if the roof is ripped off of a home water has a second path into the home. Ensure that additional coverage is supplied for flood damage.

When it comes to the potential destruction a hurricane can bring, make sure the home is protected from all of the damage this storm can cause. Contact The Insurance Mart today for help protecting a home against hurricanes in Blue Ridge, GA.