With New York and New Jersey gearing up for what might be the third Nor’Easter in three weeks, now is a good time to review your insurance policies to aid in either making claim if you’ve already suffered damage, or to know what is covered if further damages occur.
Many towns on the New Jersey shore have suffered significant flood damage due to Winter Storm Riley and Quinn hitting within days of each other. Long Beach Island and Beach Haven West suffered extensive flooding when the back bays did not have an opportunity to empty, and each successive high tide brought more water into town.
Flooding is not usually covered under a home owner’s policy of insurance, a separate policy must be in effect prior to the loss for a claim to be made. If you suffered flood to your home, report it under the policy immediately and document the loss, i.e. take lots and lots of photographs of damage to the structure and contents, and do not throw anything out until the insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect the loss.
If you sustained damage in more than one storm, keep notes on what damages occurred when. Both Riley and Quinn caused power outages. Types of loss from a power outage will typically fall under a homeowner’s policy of insurance. It is possible with no power there will also be no heat which can lead to burst pipes. Loss of Power will typically lead to food spoilage. Under certain policies a business income loss claim can be raised.
Both Riley and Quinn were responsible for high winds that led to downed trees, damage to roofs, and loss of property. The news is full of stories of branches through roofs, and on top of cars. I have seen multiple stories of damages to cars, homes, and people as a result of downed power lines. if you encounter a downed power line call the power company and the authorities immediately, do not approach live wires.
