How Will the Hurricane Season Affect your Home?

For all of you who own a home and are concerned with the hurricane/ rainy season… pay attention!  Below are a few questions and answers along with some facts that may be very helpful to you:

1. If water seeps into my basement from the ground, am I covered? No. 

Water seepage is excluded under the HO-3 Homeowners policy.  And if the water is not due to a flood you will not be covered under a flood policy. Seepage is viewed as a maintenance issue and is not covered by insurance. You should see a contractor about waterproofing your basement.

2. A tree falls and damages my roof during a storm.  Am I covered?

Yes. You are covered for the damage to your roof.  You are also covered for the removal of the tree, generally up to a $500 limit.  You should cut down dead or dying trees and also branches close to your house.  Any falling trees and branches could injure your family, friends or neighbors. So be aware of any trees or branches that look as though they could break at any time.

3. A pipe bursts and water flows all over my floors.  Am I covered? 

 Yes.  The HO-3 Homeowners policy covers you for accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system. You should check your plumbing and heating systems once a year.

I hope these facts were helpful.  Please be sure to read through your Homeowners policy thoroughly to know what perils are covered and what perils are excluded.  Please stay tuned for more helpful insurance information from Team M & J…