CONSUMER ALERT – September 14, 2023
 

IN THE WAKE OF RECORD RAIN & WIDESPREAD FLOODING,
HURRICANE SEASON HAS JUST BEGUN, AND LEE IS APPROACHING

Flood damage is not covered by a homeowners policy

 

In the aftermath of torrential rain and flooding, Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais is reminding policyholders to review their homeowner’s insurance policy and understand their coverage as the state heads into the height of the 2023 Atlantic Tropical Storm season.

Hurricane Lee is now expected to have a low impact on Connecticut in general, with the exceptions of a coastal storm surge. Wind is predicted to cause the most damage on the coast and inland with downed trees and power outages expected.

In Connecticut, the peak hurricane season begins in mid-August and runs through late October. High winds, tree damage, hail, flooding, and runoff can bring devastating losses each year. Among all natural disasters, floods are the most common and most costly.

Policyholders should discuss with an agent or insurance company if their current coverage is appropriate and adequate. It is important to understand how insurance policies work and what is covered, should another disaster strike.

While many of us managed to avoid the damaging effects of flooding from past Tropical Storms Henri and Ida, we don’t have to look too far back to Storm Sandy and Irene which devastated our communities with costly flood damage. As there is a 30-day waiting period before the policy takes effect, now is the time to purchase flood insurance to protect your home.

Homeowners, condo, and renters insurance cover most types of damage including tornado, hurricanes, severe storms, rain, wind, and fires. Damage from flooding is excluded from homeowners, condo, and renters insurance, but separate policies can be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Your insurer can only cover what it knows you lost, which is why it is important to keep accurate records of your belongings to make filing future claims as easy and detailed as possible. Expensive items such as art, collectibles, or jewelry require additional coverage and must be appraised before getting a separate policy. You also should store your inventory record and insurer's contact information in a safe location other than your home or digitally where you can retrieve it at any time. There is also a smart phone home inventory APP to help with creating and storing an inventory of your property.

The Department’s “Be Prepared” page offers consumers numerous resources that address the risks of hurricane season.

You can also download the CTPrepares Mobile App to receive real-time emergency notifications and public safety messages.

Preparation to safeguard property includes:

  • Make an inventory of belongings
  • Keep your policy and insurance contact information in a safe place
  • Review your policy with your agent or company to determine what is covered – Coverage FAQs
  • Understand the claims process – Tips for Making a Storm Claim
  • Determine whether you are at risk for floods and would need special flood insurance – most homeowners policies do NOT cover flooding

The Department’s Consumer Affairs Division is available to assist policyholders with answers to questions by

 
 
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