Illinois

Know Your Policy

Fallen trees, torn shingles and flooded basements… these spring threats are just around the corner as storm season gears up. Nine powerful storms hit Illinois last year causing more than 60,000 homeowner’s claims.

If a storm hits your home do you have the insurance coverage you need?

Consider the following as you look over your policy:

• Have you made upgrades to your home or added buildings to your property?
  Make sure your insurance policy is updated to include coverage for these improvements.
• Have you removed any outbuildings from your property?
  You may be able to save money from coverage you no longer need.
• Do you have personal property that needs its own insurance?
  You can get a separate policy to remove potential gaps in your coverage for things such as boats, stamp collections, firearms, computers, and business property.
• Can you list all of the stuff in your home?
  Keep a running inventory, receipts, manuals, photographs, or video recordings of personal property in the household. Store these items in a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box at your bank. In the event of severe damage this information is helpful when filing a claim.
• Are you covered for water damage?
  Some water damage is covered in a standard policy, but it is limited. Ground water is excluded by a homeowner’s policy, but may be covered under a policy for flood insurance. Water that enters a home through a sewer, drain, or sump pump is excluded; however, this coverage may be added to the homeowner’s policy for an additional premium.

If a storm does strike this season, here are some tips on what to do:

• Report the claim to your agent or 1-800-SFCLAIM.
• If it is safe to do so make any temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Keep receipts and take pictures to give to your claim representative.