Plan Ahead: A Reminder from the SCC During National Preparedness Month and the Midpoint of Hurricane Season

RICHMOND – September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This also marks the midpoint of the Atlantic hurricane season, the peak period when potentially deadly tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean. As such, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) is urging Virginians to think ahead and act now to protect themselves and their families.

“It’s critical to ensure that your insurance coverage is up-to-date so you can minimize any financial damage,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Take time to review each of your insurance policies so you know exactly what is – and is not – covered.”

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Once a hurricane develops in the Atlantic, it may be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write coverage until after the storm threat passes.

Keep in mind that hurricane damage is often caused by flooding, not high winds. Standard homeowners, renters and commercial insurance policies issued in Virginia typically do not provide coverage for damage from floods, surface water or storm surges. Coverage for flood damage is available to homeowners, renters and business owners in eligible communities through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you think you may need flood insurance, it’s important to prepare ahead of time since there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy takes effect. To learn more, visit www.floodsmart.gov/.

Creating an inventory of your personal property including photos, videotapes and serial numbers will help you prepare for emergencies. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' free smartphone app — NAIC Home Inventory — makes creating a home inventory quick and easy. Keep this inventory and your insurance policies in a safe place and take them with you if you evacuate. Your policy contains the policy number and insurance company’s phone number if you have questions or need to file a claim.

For information about these or other insurance-related topics, contact the Virginia Bureau of Insurance in Richmond at (804) 371-9741 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or visit its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

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Contact: Ford Carson, 804-371-9141