Consumer Alert: ‘Disaster proof’ your insurance

<p>As the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy approaches, experts says that homeowners should make sure their insurance covers similar types of natural&nbsp;disasters.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 27, 2017, 9:43 PM

Updated 2,382 days ago

Share:

As the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy approaches, experts says that homeowners should make sure their insurance covers similar types of natural disasters.
“You want to look at the declarations page of a homeowners’ insurance policy. That's going to give you a great overview of your coverage,” says Michael Barry, with the Insurance Information Institute.
Barry says that the first thing a homeowner should look for is to see if they have enough insurance coverage to rebuild their home in its current location in the event of a total loss.
Insurance experts say that it is also important to know what the homeowners’ policy won’t cover. Flood damage is typically covered by separate flood insurance. Earth movement may not be covered, which can be a big issue if erosion causes damage to a home’s foundation.
Barry also suggests that homeowners pay attention to hurricane or “named storm” deductibles. The deductibles will determine how much a homeowner will pay before the insurance kicks in.
“This is a deductible that's tied to the insured value of your home. So for instance, you have a deductible of 5 percent and an insured value of your home of $200,000, then your deductible is $10,000,” Barry says.
Experts say paying attention to insurance before a disaster hits can help save a lot of trouble if and when disaster strikes.


More from News 12
1:57
Bushwick building owner cited for illegal work performed before fire destroyed supermarket, apartments

Bushwick building owner cited for illegal work performed before fire destroyed supermarket, apartments

1:44
STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy with mild temperatures for NYC; tracking thunderstorms midweek

STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy with mild temperatures for NYC; tracking thunderstorms midweek

1:26
Police: Cyclist struck by car overnight in Bushwick in critical condition

Police: Cyclist struck by car overnight in Bushwick in critical condition

1:24
Lawmakers crack down on theft against small retail, businesses owners in Brooklyn

Lawmakers crack down on theft against small retail, businesses owners in Brooklyn

0:24
Police: Man injured from overnight shooting in Brownsville

Police: Man injured from overnight shooting in Brownsville

New York City National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

New York City National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

1:15
NYPD: 23-year-old woman struck by B41 bus in Downtown Brooklyn

NYPD: 23-year-old woman struck by B41 bus in Downtown Brooklyn

1:35
4th annual People's Ball returns to the Brooklyn Public Library

4th annual People's Ball returns to the Brooklyn Public Library

1:43
Interested in transforming public pool sites in New York City? Here's how to submit your ideas

Interested in transforming public pool sites in New York City? Here's how to submit your ideas

2:09
Riverdale Restaurant Week kicks off for the season

Riverdale Restaurant Week kicks off for the season

0:32
NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

1:53
Ditmas Park residents fed up with only building elevator being out of service for a year

Ditmas Park residents fed up with only building elevator being out of service for a year

1:48
Mott Haven art exhibit celebrates Indian Arrival Day

Mott Haven art exhibit celebrates Indian Arrival Day

1:48
FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

1:22
Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

2:06
Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

2:13
FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

2:00
Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down