Make Sure Your Property Is Covered By Insurance Before A Hurricane Hits

After hurricanesFranandFloyd, many people who thought they were fully covered were not. For example, most standard policies only cover the actual value of personal property, not how much it costs to replace it. You may want to consider buying replacement coverage.

Unless you have a separate flood policy, only damage from falling water or rain is covered. Rising water from flooding is not covered.

Consumers need to remember that a flood policy does not take effect until 30 days after you buy it. Renters also need to make sure they have insurance. The landlord's insurance only covers the building, but the tenant of the property is responsible for the contents.

It is also time to check the exterior of the home for clogged drain gutters and downspouts as well as loose shingles. It is best to trim weak or dead tree branches that could fall or blow into the house during a storm.

As the storm approaches, it is also important to put away deck furniture, grills, potted plants -- anything that could become a projectile or floating debris.

Once a hurricane warning is issued for your area, experts say you should shut off water, electricity and gas.