Insurance tips ahead of storm

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As a storm may be headed in our direction, 22News is working for you with what you need to know about your insurance policy.

Last year many homeowners were confused about what damage was covered and what wasn't

Tropical Storm Irene caused flooding in many parts of western Massachusetts, then shortly after a Halloween snowstorm left millions without power for days.

The good news is homeowners insurance will cover most wind damage and even food that spoils in a power outage.

Bill Trudeau, the President of the Insurance Center of New England, said, “Some policies have coverage for food and the deductible doesn't apply other companies the deductible does apply so it's really up to the customer if they want to put the claim in."

A normal homeowner’s policy won't cover flood damage you need special flood insurance for that but for businesses and homes that are just feet from a river that's not always an option."

Starlite Auto Body in Westfield was under nearly a foot of water after Irene.

The owner, Tim Chapman, told 22News, “There was no insurance it was all out of pocket."

This time around he's preparing as much as possible.

He explained, “This year I'm going to watch the storm a bit more closely now that we have more notice of it get things moved around before hand and hopefully it passes and I don't get what I got last year again."

Homeowners should prepare as much as possible and review what coverage you have.

However, if you're not satisfied with your policy, it's likely too late to do anything about it.

Trudeau said, "As far as right now goes, a lot of the insurance companies are putting out moratoriums that we will start seeing throughout the day as in you can't change coverage you cant change the coverage on the building or you can't lower the deductible or bind your policy during these events"

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has these tips for homeowners and renters to prepare.

• Bring free-standing items in
• Cut weak or dead branches
• Check caulking around windows and doors
• Roll up area rugs and get them off the floor
• Inspect sump pumps