BEAUMONT, Texas — As we get a better understanding of the effect the disturbance in the Gulf will have on our area, Southeast Texans are advised to look at and secure their insurance policies.
Many flood insurance policies have a 30-day wait period before going into effect.
Now is a good time to start looking and securing those policies before a storm hits.
Insurance agents across the U.S. said that one of the biggest issues they see is that people do not inspect potential safety hazards around their homes before a storm hits.
That is along with not fully understanding their current insurance policy, which often puts them in a bind that is hard to fix before it is too late.
“I always tell people they have to differ to the adjuster they have as to what is covered and not covered and to what extant those items will be covered,” April Tolbert, insurance agent, said.
Tolbert said she recommends reviewing insurance policies thoroughly and asking questions.
Other issues that people face is not getting flood insurance because they are not in flood zones. FEMA said at least 20 percent of the claims it receives comes from outside flood zones.
Those on the lookout for new insurance or questioning a current policy should review their out-of-pocket costs if they need to make a claim.
People should also do a full walk-through of their home and make a video or take photos, understand that flood insurance is different than their insurance, and understand that extra coverage is needed when going up against wind and hail.
If there are questions, people should always read the fine print in their insurance policy with their providers.
Remember, it is never too late to prepare for the storm.