Check your insurance before the storm hits

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – With icy weather expected in the coming days, insurance agents are urging residents to review their policies now to avoid costly surprises later.

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State Farm insurance agent Michael O’Neal stresses the importance of preparing before a winter storm arrives. Once an official weather warning is issued, insurers may not write new policies, leaving you vulnerable if something happens.

“If there’s an actual warning in effect, we’re not able to write new business. I’d want to make sure everybody takes care of their stuff ahead of time,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal recommends reviewing your auto and home insurance policies for potential gaps in coverage. He notes that some companies may have restrictions on claims if roads are closed due to weather.

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“I have heard of some companies that have not wanted to pay if roads were closed and things like that, but that would be on a specific basis,” O’Neal explained. “That might be a good thing to check with your company, your own provider, to make sure they provide coverage for that.”

For homeowners, it’s also important to understand liability for storm-related damage.

“If you have some property, a trampoline, or something else that blows from your yard into your neighbor’s yard and causes damage to their house or something like that, then everybody is kind of responsible for their own damage,” O’Neal said. “In other words, you’re not liable for a storm blowing a tree that was on your property or a trampoline that was on your property onto your neighbor’s and causing damage because you didn’t cause the wind.”

The same principle applies to slips and falls on your property due to ice or snow unless you’re operating a business.

“If you have a business, you might want to make sure to have signs or do something to kind of sweep the ice and snow away because if you’re open for business, that might change a little bit in terms of your liability,” O’Neal said.

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O’Neal also advises residents to avoid parking under trees or limbs during a storm to prevent unnecessary damage.

“Do some of those things to make sure you’ve winterized your home, just to be on the safe side,” he added.

With time still on your side before the storm hits, experts say it’s smart to act now. A quick review of your insurance policies could save you significant stress and money in the days ahead.

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