Insurance Experts Answer Common Questions After Severe Weather Causes Widespread Damage Across the South

CHICAGO - Following the severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that caused widespread damage across southern states from Texas to Florida, insurance experts are answering key questions about insurance coverage and providing helpful information to help impacted residents begin the recovery process.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the severe weather," said Karen Collins, vice president of property and environmental for APCIA. "The insurance industry's overwhelming priority when disaster strikes is to help their customers rebuild their lives and restore their property. The first step to recovery after your property is damaged or destroyed by severe weather is to file a claim with your insurer."

To help impacted residents begin the recovery process, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is answering common questions related to insurance after a disaster:

Is damage to my home and vehicle caused by severe storms and tornadoes covered by insurance?

Damage associated with severe weather events, like tornadoes, is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy. Damage to a vehicle is typically covered if the policyholder's auto policy includes comprehensive insurance coverage.

What if I cannot live in my home due to damage or because it is being repaired?

Ask your insurer if your policy covers additional living expenses, which can help pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals and laundry. Keep all receipts for such expenses so you can discuss them with the adjuster. If the cause of loss is due to flooding and you have flood insurance, the terms of your flood policy will outline your coverage. However, flood policies generally do not cover additional living expenses. In these situations, homeowners may be eligible for natural disaster assistance from the federal government.

Is flood damage to my home or car covered by insurance?

Flood damage is not typically covered under a standard homeowner's policy, so homeowners need to contact their flood insurer to file a flood-related claim. Flood insurance policies may be with the National Flood Insurance Program or possibly with a flood insurer in the private market. If a homeowner does not have flood insurance, federal disaster assistance may be available in the form of grants or loans.

Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has purchased comprehensive physical damage coverage. Auto owners should contact their auto insurer as soon as possible to report the damage and file a claim.

My home was damaged or destroyed. What should I do now?

Reachout to your insurer or agent as soon as you can safely do so to file a claim. Insurers can be reached 24-7 through their toll-free claims numberor via text, app, or website.Secure your property from further damage or theft, if possible. Make an inventory of what was lost or damaged and photograph the damage to provide to your insurance adjuster. Compile receipts, descriptions, and photos of your home's contents.

I have reported my claim; now what should I do?

Take steps to prevent further damage. However, do not attempt permanent repairs or dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster can see it to assess the extent of your damages. If debris is dangerous, homeowners should carefully document their losses and then dispose of the debris. Photograph or video any perishable items and retain all receipts for emergency repairs and additional living costs to substantiate claims.

Be aware of unscrupulous contractors following a natural disaster. Tornado victims should anticipate a high volume of direct communications from third parties seeking to involve themselves with the insurance claims and damage repair process. It is important to carefully consider any proposals from contractors, public adjusters, and lawyers offering to help with the insurance claim and damage repair process. Before signing any contracts, call your insurer first to report the damage and get your claim started.

What should I do if my vehicle is flooded?

Be cautious about starting a vehicle that has been exposed to flood waters, and if your vehicle is missing, report it to the police. If the water is above the floorboards, or the seats are wet, do not try to start the car. The electrical system is the most sensitive to water damage and trying to start the car could cause more damage.

Report the loss to your auto insurer and protect the car from further damage by covering any broken windows.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) further advises that batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles are highly corrosive and should not be exposed to standing water. Flooded vehicles may have high voltage and short circuits that can shock and cause fires. Do not park a damaged vehicle with a lithium-ion battery in a garage or within 50 feet of your house or other structure, another vehicle, or combustibles. If you suspect your vehicles' battery (or the charging station) has been damaged, contact your dealer.

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