Hurricanes are among the costliest natural disasters in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. AAA Northeast is urging property owners in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and New York to take proactive steps ahead of peak hurricane season to protect themselves before the next major storm.
Key Facts for Homeowners
- The average annual cost of all U.S. weather and climate disasters from 2020 to 2024 was $149.3 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- NOAA is predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year, but early preparation remains critical.
- In a recent AAA survey, 73% of respondents reported the same level of concern as last hurricane season, yet only 18% have taken steps to prepare their property and just 20% have reviewed their insurance coverage.
“In addition to securing loose outdoor furniture and collecting emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries and chargers, reviewing your insurance policy should be just as much a part of your hurricane prep,” said Greg Smolan, Vice President of Insurance Operations for AAA Northeast. “Having the right coverage can make all the difference when a storm hits.”
Insurance Preparation Tips
AAA Northeast offers the following advice about insurance for property owners.
- If you don’t already have homeowners flood insurance, consider it. Most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by flooding. A good rule of thumb is that any damage caused by water outside the home will not be covered without flood insurance. Typically, flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before activation, so it’s essential to have the right coverage before a named hurricane is bearing down on the region.
- Be aware of insurance moratoriums that temporarily restrict policy changes when a storm is imminent. Review your policies now and make any updates to ensure you have coverage when you need it most.
- Understand your deductible. Many homeowners don’t realize that hurricane deductibles can differ from regular insurance deductibles. Instead of a fixed amount, they can be based on a percentage of your home’s assessed value.
Property Fortification Tips to Limit Damage
The best way to avoid filing an insurance claim is to mitigate the potential for severe damage. AAA Northeast’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide provides a comprehensive checklist.
Some essential tips include:
- Caulk gaps and cracks around windows, doors and vents.
- Anchor or bring outdoor furniture inside.
- Trim trees and remove loose branches that could become airborne.
- Consider replacing doors with impact-rated and/or wind-rated doors, including your garage door.
- Have an escape plan. Don’t delay routine vehicle maintenance to ensure your ride is ready in case you have to evacuate.
Vehicle and Evacuation Preparedness
- Keep a full tank of gas, test your battery, check your tires and brakes and replace any worn components like wiper blades.
- Always keep an emergency kit inside your vehicle that includes first-aid supplies, batteries, high-visibility vests and jumper cables or a battery booster pack.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.9 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
