Flood and storm damage, Your Home Insurance
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Posted On :
Jun-18-2009
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Article Word Count :
496
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Most home insurance policies will cover you against the cost of flood and storm damage.
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Most home insurance policies will cover you against the cost of flood and storm damage. You should always have buildings insurance which covers you against the costs of repairing, or in the worst case, rebuilding your home, but you would be sensible to take out contents insurance as well if you wish to protect the possessions in your home.
Even if your home and contents are insured, flood or storm damage can be very unpleasant and while you may be able to purchase new goods, items of sentimental value will be irreplaceable. To reduce the chances of damage, make sure that your home is well maintained. To prevent leaks check your roof for missing tiles and make sure gutters are clear of dead leaves. Cut back overhanging or dead branches which could come down in high winds and cause damage.
Back up your computer regularly, because lightning strikes can cause electricity surges that may damage your computer and other electrical appliances. Leaks and floods can also damage your hard drive and electrical equipment. Even if you replace the computer, important files like family photographs will be lost. In a thunderstorm, unplug electrical appliances, telephones and computers.
If you hear of a weather warning and you are concerned about flooding, then you should move any precious items, rugs, carpets and furniture upstairs if possible. Protect your important documents such as your insurance documents by placing them in a watertight container. Some things may be too large or too heavy to move, like your washing machine, but if possible you should raise these up onto bricks to try to keep them away from the water.
Be prepared for the potential after effects by looking out your first aid kit, a battery operated radio, bottles of water and non-perishable food, and keep your pets inside.
If you are unlucky enough to suffer serious flood or storm damage, your home insurance policy may cover the cost of alternative accommodation, but cheaper policies are unlikely to include this. Think carefully about your needs when you take out the policy, as very cheap insurance is unlikely to give you all the financial protection you may need.
Call your insurance company as soon as possible if your house or belongings are damaged by storm or flood, and wait to throw away damaged goods because if the insurance company thinks they can repair them they might not pay you to replace them. If it is too inconvenient or dangerous to keep damaged items, then take photographs as proof of their condition before you dispose of them.
Things to look for in your home insurance policy include the cleaning, repair or replacement of damaged items, including the physical structure of your house and accommodation if your house is made uninhabitable. Be careful not to underinsure your belongings and remember to keep an inventory with receipts so that you can prove your losses if the worst should happen.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Flood and storm damage, Your Home Insurance _1178.aspx
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Author Resource :
It only takes a few moments to get our house insurance quotes online with Kwik Fit Home Insurance.
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Keywords :
home insurance,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home Security
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