Are you covered? Be proactive before next severe weather event

JACKSON, Tenn. — Now is a great time to review your insurance policy to ensure you are covered before a disaster occurs.

As we approach severe weather season, it’s important to check your insurance policy’s coverage. What items or incidents are insured? How much would you have to pay out of pocket?

“I stress deductibles. People have a tendency to forget what their deductible is, which is their portion that they would come out of the settlement that they’re responsible for. A lot of people forget what that is so just spend some time and get to know what you bought, ask questions because that agent is there to give you those answers, that’s what you’re paying them for,” said Wes Harris, insurance agent with State Farm.

Also, check with your insurance agencies about natural disaster coverage. Make sure you know what events are covered and what are not.

“A lot of time, the homeowner’s insurance will not cover flooding. It’s specifically excluded. It’s called ‘rising water,’ and I don’t think a lot of people realize that, so if people are in a flood-prone area, they need to look into getting flood insurance either through FEMA or you know a private insurance company,” said Harris.

Here are a few need-to-know tips on coverage to keep you and your loved ones safe.

“You know just walk through the house and video things in the drawers and your clothing and just the couches and the furniture and things like that, that could be damaged in a storm, and just document it. It doesn’t take very long at all, and then save it on your phone. So that when there’s a claim and you’re trying to recall what all might’ve gotten damaged or what you might’ve had in your inventory, you can pull it up and just look at the video,” said Harris.

Natural disasters can occur often in Tennessee. Make sure you have the right coverage for your home and personal belongings.

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