Prepare for Hurricane Season

HOA-USA (www.hoa-usa.com) would like to share a press release from our friends at Acentria Insurance.  Hurricane season is already upon us, and being prepared is vitally important for board members, community managers and homeowners.

 ACENTRIA INSURANCE ENCOURAGES HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESSES
TO PROPERLY PREPARE THIS HURRICANE SEASON

During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Acentria Insurance is encouraging homeowners and businesses to properly prepare for this hurricane season by reviewing your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.

Hurricanes not only bring high winds but can also cause flooding, storm surges in coastal areas, and tornados, all of which are potentially devastating to life and property.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida accounted for 14 percent of all U.S. insured catastrophe losses from 1983 to 2013, which equates to $66.8 billion out of $478.4 billion.

Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover loss from flooding, a common occurrence with hurricanes. The only way to protect your home from floods is to purchase separate flood insurance. Flood damage to automobiles is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy.

Residents and business owners who do not live in coastal areas may still face hazards of strong winds, heavy rain and inland flooding. Renters should also consider a policy to cover personal belongings as typically the landlord’s policy generally will not cover the loss of a tenant’s possessions. To properly protect your home, business or belongings, Acentria Insurance suggests a personal or commercial flood policy in addition to a commercial homeowners or renters policy tailored to specific needs.

“We encourage everyone to evaluate your current personal or commercial coverage as we enter hurricane season,” said Kendall McEachern, CEO of Acentria Insurance. “Once a tropical storm or hurricane warning has been issued, you cannot obtain new or additional coverage.”

“Ensuring you have adequate coverage is essential in proper hurricane preparedness,” says McEachern. He reminds us that it could take up to 30 days for a flood policy to take effect.
Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, with powerful storms more likely to occur in September.

As part of your hurricane preparedness, Acentria Insurance recommends accurately recording your possessions in the event you need to file a claim. It is suggested that copies of photographs or video recordings of possessions be kept in a safe place outside of your home or business, such as electronic cloud storage or a safe deposit box.

Anyone with questions about flood insurance, commercial, homeowners or renters policies, or other types of insurance can call Acentria Insurance for a complimentary policy review. For more information on Acentria Insurance, call toll free 1-866-374-5084 or visit www.Acentria.com.