SCC Encourages Virginians to Prepare for Potential Extreme Spring Weather

RICHMOND – Strong winds, tornadoes, hailstorms, lightning, and flash floods – these are just some of the severe weather events that can accompany the arrival of spring.

Severe weather can strike anywhere and anytime. Advance planning is the key to protecting yourself, your loved ones and your property – both physically and financially.

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages Virginians to plan now for the possibility of extreme spring weather. “Assess your risk and make sure you have the insurance coverage you need if severe weather causes damage to your home, business, vehicles or other property,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White.

The Bureau encourages Virginians to consider the following:

• Review your insurance policy and contact your insurance agent or company if you have any questions about your coverage.
• Create a detailed inventory of your belongings including photos and receipts of your property if you have them. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides a free home inventory app that can help you with this process. Additionally, you can use the NAIC’s Home Inventory Checklist as a guide. Store your home inventory checklist and insurance policy information in a secure, waterproof location.
• Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding. If you believe that you may need flood coverage, talk to your insurance agent about how to obtain flood insurance or visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at floodsmart.gov. Keep in mind that there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect.

Automobile other-than-collision insurance coverage, often called "comprehensive" insurance coverage, helps pay to repair or replace vehicles if they are stolen or damaged by such things as fire, water, wind, hail, vandalism, glass breakage, falling objects or contact with an animal.

If your home, business, vehicles, or other property are damaged due to severe weather, the Bureau recommends that Virginians keep several steps in mind:

• Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible after the danger or risk has passed.
• Take photos of your damaged property once it is safe to do so.
• Save the receipts for the costs of any emergency repairs that are needed to prevent further damage to your property.
• If you feel you are treated unfairly, contact the Bureau of Insurance Property & Casualty Consumer Services team at 804-371-9185 or file a complaint.

The Bureau offers free consumer guides for homeowners and commercial property owners with information about what to do when a disaster strikes. These and many other consumer insurance guides are available on the Bureau’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

The Bureau’s specially trained staff can assist consumers with their insurance-related questions and concerns. To learn more, contact the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau’s Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185.

For additional emergency preparedness information related to various types of disasters and hazards, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website at vaemergency.gov.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141