September is National Preparedness Month, a time to think about how ready we are for the unexpected. In the Midwest, that means being prepared for tornadoes, hail, high winds, flooding and, as the seasons change, winter weather.

Emergency plans and supplies are important, but there’s another part of preparedness that’s easy to overlook: understanding how your insurance would help you recover after a disaster.

Severe Weather Can Change Everything in Minutes

Midwest weather can be unpredictable. A thunderstorm can bring damaging hail and wind, while a tornado can cause extensive damage in minutes.

Homeowners insurance may provide coverage for certain types of storm damage, but your deductible, coverage limits and policy terms all play a role in how a claim is handled.

It’s also worth considering whether your home is insured for what it would cost to rebuild today. Construction costs and materials change over time, which can affect your coverage needs.

Preparedness Tip: Review your homeowners coverage and make sure you understand your wind and hail deductible and dwelling coverage limit.

Your Roof May Have Its Own Story

Hail and high winds can be particularly hard on roofs, and damage isn’t always obvious from the ground.

Even when roof damage is covered, policies can differ in how claims are settled. Factors such as the age and condition of your roof and the type of coverage you have can affect the amount paid after a covered loss.

Preparedness Tip: Ask your insurance agent how your roof is covered and whether its age or condition affects how a covered claim would be settled.

Flooding Isn’t Always a Homeowners Insurance Question

When severe weather strikes, homeowners often think about wind and hail, but water can create significant damage, too.

One important distinction is flooding. Flood damage may not be covered by a standard homeowners policy and may require separate flood insurance. Other risks, such as sewer or drain backup, may also require additional coverage.

Understanding these differences before a storm can help you avoid surprises later.

Preparedness Tip: Ask your insurance agent whether your current coverage protects you from the types of water damage that could affect your property.

What Happens After a Disaster?

One concern homeowners may have after a major weather event is what happens to their insurance afterward. A significant claim can bring questions about future coverage, policy changes or whether a policy will be renewed.

While no insurance agent can guarantee what a carrier will do in the future, having someone who understands your coverage and can help you navigate your options can be valuable, especially when the insurance market is changing.

Insurance isn’t something you should only think about when you have a claim. Regular conversations with your agent can help you understand your current coverage, identify potential gaps and make adjustments as your home, property and circumstances change.

Preparedness Tip: Don’t wait until after a disaster to review your insurance. Keep an ongoing conversation with your insurance agent so you understand your coverage and your options if your insurance needs or circumstances change.

Don’t Forget About the Weather Ahead

National Preparedness Month is also a good time to look beyond severe summer weather and think about what’s coming next.

As temperatures drop, homeowners face risks such as frozen pipes, ice, snow and high winds. Preparing your home for winter can help reduce the likelihood of damage, while reviewing your insurance can help you understand what protection you have if something does happen.

Preparedness Tip: As you prepare your home for colder weather, take a few minutes to review your insurance coverage, too.

Preparedness Goes Beyond the Emergency Kit

Being prepared for severe weather isn’t only about knowing where your emergency supplies are. It also means knowing how you would recover if your home or belongings were damaged.

At Midwest Heritage, our independent insurance agency works with more than 15 insurance carriers to help customers find coverage that fits their needs and budget. Our licensed agents can review your current coverage, answer questions and help you understand your options.

This National Preparedness Month, take a fresh look at your insurance. The best time to understand your coverage is before you need it.

Not a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value