State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon shared insurance tips for those who are worried about their properties being damage during Barry.
He started by explaining that insurance companies will classify your damage by what the storm was when it hit your property. For example, Barry made landfall as a category 1 hurricane, but quickly turned back into a tropical storm.
If the hurricane has been downgraded when it hits your home, it may not be covered as hurricane damage. In this case, your coverage will drop down to an "all perils" deductible, according to Donelon.
He said that a name storm typically has a deductible of about 2-3 percent of insured value of property. This means if you have an $150,000 home, you would be about $4,500 out of pocket if your deductible is at 3 percent.
He added that this is the same with flooding damage.
So what should you be doing now as Barry is making landfall?
Donelon suggests that you take photos with your cell phone of your belongings. He also says you should have your agent and insurance information available, so you can start the claims process.
Also, you have a duty to minimize damage by tearing out carpet, so keep that in mind.
He also mentioned that by law, you can only apply one name storm deductible per season.
Insurance policies can also be a little tricky in terms of damage. For example, if water is driven by wind into your home, it is covered under your hurricane coverage. However, if it is water from a surge, it is flood damage.
If you have any more insurance questions, you can call 1-800-259-5300.
