Monsoon season can bring welcome rain to dry areas, but it can also cause serious problems for homes and businesses. Strong winds, heavy rain, flash floods, and even hail can damage buildings, cars, and property. If you live in an area affected by monsoons, it’s a good idea to check your insurance coverage before the storms roll in.
This article covers the types of insurance that may help protect you during monsoon season and how to avoid scams from storm chasers. Whether you’re new to insurance or just need a quick refresher, here’s what you should know.
Understanding Monsoon Risks
Monsoon season typically brings high winds and fast-moving storms. These events can cause roof damage, break windows, knock down trees, and lead to flooding. The damage may be limited to your yard, or it could extend into your home or office building. In some cases, power outages or blocked roads can slow down repairs and make it more challenging to return to normal activities.
Preparing ahead of time, before you have a loss, is key. Part of that preparation should include reviewing your current insurance policies and understanding what they cover and what they do not.
Homeowners and Business Insurance
Most standard Homeowners and Business Insurance policies include coverage for wind and hail damage, but coverage can vary. If a storm causes damage due to strong winds or fallen trees, your policy may help with the cost of repairs. However, in some areas, wind and hail coverage may be limited or require a separate deductible.
It’s a good idea to check your policy for any wind or storm-related limits. If you’re unsure what’s included, reach out to someone who can walk you through your coverage and answer questions in plain terms.
What About Flooding?
One of the biggest risks during monsoon season is flash flooding. Many people are surprised to learn that most Homeowners and Business Insurance policies do not include Flood Insurance. Damage from rising water, like when a street floods and water flows into your home, is typically only covered if you have a separate Flood Insurance policy.
Flood Insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private carriers. These policies may help cover damage to your building and its contents, depending on the policy’s terms. Keep in mind that most Flood Insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect, so don’t wait until you see a storm in the forecast to apply.
Auto Insurance and Monsoon Damage
If you have a vehicle, make sure your Auto Insurance includes Comprehensive coverage. This part of your policy may help if your car is damaged by flooding, hail, or falling branches. If you only carry Liability Insurance, you likely won’t have protection for weather-related damage to your own vehicle.
As with any coverage, the details matter. Deductibles and limits can vary, so be sure to check the specifics of your Auto policy.
Storm Chasers and Contractor Scams
After a storm hits, it’s common to see out-of-town contractors, or “storm chasers”, going door to door offering quick repairs. While some of these workers may be legitimate, others are looking to take advantage of homeowners and business owners during a stressful time.
Some red flags include:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Demands for payment up front
- Asking you to sign over your insurance benefits
- Unmarked vehicles or no local address
Before hiring anyone, take a step back. Contact your insurance agency for help. In many cases, they can recommend local contractors they’ve worked with before. You can also read more about avoiding these scams on our Storm Chasers page.
