Insurance Coverage May Not Include Natural Disasters
By Amy E. Feldman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The National Weather Service announced that this year, the state of Michigan had the fewest number of tornadoes recorded in March since March of 1951. Which is great, except when you consider that the average number of tornadoes that touch down is 130 in March. In Michigan alone. This year, the state saw 27. Seems like a lot of tornadoes.
Here's the thing: while most insurance covers fires and falling tree limbs, many natural disasters, like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes, aren't covered under standard policies. So here's what to do:
Take a look at the first page of your homeowner's policy, which by law has to state in plain English what is covered and what the payout limits are. If you live in an area prone to a particular type of event like a hurricane or floods, look for coverage and if you don't see it, call your insurance company now so you don't first face a natural disaster and then a financial one.