RMIIA News Releases

7951 E. Maplewood Avenue, Suite 110
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Serving Colorado, New Mexico, Utah & Wyoming

Contact: Carole Walker, Executive Director
303-790-0216 or toll free 800-355-9524

Mother Nature Makes a Mother's Day Statement: Flooding, Hail, Snow! Are YOU Insurance Ready for Severe Weather Season?

May 11, 2015 – Coloradans spent a tense Mother's Day weekend following weather watches and warnings, but the all too familiar alerts sound another alarm: Are you financially prepared for severe weather season? Rising flood waters, heavy wet snow and hail so far haven't caused significant, widespread property damage, however the region's first real taste of severe weather is a clear reminder that the unthinkable can happen, and we need to take insurance preparedness steps BEFORE disaster strikes.

"In recent years, Colorado has been on a wild weather ride with record-breaking hailstorms, devastating wildfires and unprecedented flooding," says Carole Walker, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. "While we are all hoping against hope for an uneventful severe weather and wildfire season, history shows us we need to be insurance ready for anything Mother Nature sends our way." Homeowners, renters, business owners and drivers need to talk to their insurance professionals about what their insurance covers, what it doesn't and how they can better protect themselves.

Homeowners, renters and businesses need to at least consider purchasing separate flood coverage—even if they don't live in a flood zone since up to 20% of claims come from low to moderate risk areas. During the past 10 years, the average flood claim has amounted to over $33,000. Flood insurance is not covered under a standard homeowners or renter's insurance policy, but it can be purchased through your insurance agent or company representative. Flood insurance is covered through policies purchased and handled through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance must be in place 30 days in advance of the flood. Your car is covered for flood damage if you purchase optional "comprehensive" coverage.

Links to more information on flooding and flood insurance:

• http://www.rmiia.org/Catastrophes_and_Statistics/Flood.asp
• http://www.floodsmart.gov

How to file an auto claim:
http://www.rmiia.org/auto/steering_through_your_auto_policy/Filing_an_Auto_Claim.asp

How to file a property claim:
http://www.rmiia.org/homeowners/Walking_Through_Your_Policy/Settlement_Process.asp

DO AN ANNUAL INSURANCE CHECK-UP

• Insurance is something most people don't even want to think about until they need it the most. But, understanding what is and isn't covered in your homeowners' insurance policy can mean the difference of being able to rebuild your home and replace your personal belongings. Homeowners need to do annual insurance policy "check-ups" to make sure they keep up with local building costs and have adjusted their coverage to include home remodeling and additions.
• If you don't have replacement coverage, consider spending a few extra dollars for coverage that pays for the cost of replacing the damaged property without deduction for depreciation. Ask about endorsements for sewer back-up and building code upgrades.

CREATE A HOME INVENTORY

• Make a home inventory that includes lists, pictures or a videotape of the contents of your home or apartment. After all, would you be able to remember all the possessions you've accumulated over the years if they were destroyed by a tornado or fire? Having an up-to-date home inventory will help get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.
• It's easy to get overwhelmed, but RMIIA has free software that you can download to help simplify the process! You can even add digital photos and scan in receipts, along with your room-by-room online inventory. Free home inventory software or a sample home inventory: http://www.rmiia.org/Homeowners/Walking_Through_Your_Policy/Home_Inventory.asp

Log on to www.rmiia.org for more information.

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Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is a non-profit consumer information organization representing Property and Casualty Insurers in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.