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Lauren Kane
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Phone:
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847-553-3609
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Lauren.kane@pciaa.net
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Midwest Tornadoes Remind Consumers to be Prepared for
Severe Weather
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CHICAGO – The devastating tornadoes and severe weather
experienced over much of Midwest this past weekend serve as a harsh reminder of
the damage that is possible as the U.S. moves through tornado season. The Property
Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages homeowners, renters
and business owners to prepare in advance for tornadoes, review their insurance
policies and contact their insurance agent or company to discuss coverage
options.
The peak of tornado season
in the U.S. varies by geographic region beginning in southern states during the
months of March and April. Peak tornado season for the southern plains
occurs during May and June and typically takes place during June and July in
the Midwest and northern plains. This weekend’s storm activity, with over 50
reported tornadoes, was the most severe in northwest Ohio where a tornado left a path of destruction up
to 300 yards wide and 10 miles long.
“As we saw this weekend,
tornadoes can be deadly and cause severe property damage,” said Donald Griffin,
vice president personal lines for PCI. “Because tornadoes can occur
rapidly and with little warning, advanced preparation is very important.
We encourage consumers to know the warning signals used in their community and
be prepared to take cover when alerted. Maintaining an emergency storm kit with
a radio, flashlight, batteries and first-aid items is the first step in
preparation. Other steps include conducting tornado drills with your family and
ensuring that your property is adequately insured.”
Most tornado, windstorm,
hail and similar severe weather-related losses are covered by either
homeowners, renters or commercial insurance policies. Tornado losses to a home
are covered by the “windstorm” peril under the homeowners insurance
policy. Renters insurance also provides coverage to policyholder
possessions under this peril. Business owners are covered under their
commercial policies. Protection from windstorm or hail damage for cars is
covered under the “comprehensive” portion of the automobile insurance policy.
PCI pre-storm tips:
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Conduct a detailed inventory of your
possessions including receipts, descriptions and photos of your home's
contents.
·
Keep your insurance policy and agent
information along with other important information with you or in a secure
place.
·
Keep a cell phone charged and with you for
emergencies.
·
If you have one, keep a laptop computer
close by. Most insurance companies allow claims reports to be submitted
via the Internet.
If you experienced a loss
from the storms:
·
Immediately contact your insurance agent
or company representative
·
Inspect property and cars for damage
·
Inventory losses and photograph damage,
and save related receipts to assist with claims handling
·
Secure property from further damage or
theft
·
Check the background and legitimacy of
repair contractors. Ask your insurance company for assistance in locating
a reputable contractor.
·
Keep detailed records of business activity
and extra expenses during the interruption period, and prepare records to show
the income from the business both before and after the loss.
PCI is composed of
more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of
insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $180
billion in annual premium, 37.4 percent of the nation’s property casualty
insurance. Member companies write 44 percent of the U.S.
automobile insurance market, 30.7 percent of the homeowners market, 35.1
percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41.7 percent of
the private workers compensation market.
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