Kansas tornado season runs from March through June, and every homeowner needs to understand what their policy covers — and what it doesn’t.
1. Wind damage is typically covered under standard homeowners insurance, including tornado damage. However, your deductible matters. Many policies have a separate wind/hail deductible that could be 1-5% of your dwelling coverage.
2. Flood damage is NOT covered by standard homeowners insurance. If your property is in a flood-prone area, you need a separate flood insurance policy. Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, flash flooding from severe storms can still cause damage.
3. Your dwelling coverage should reflect current rebuilding costs. Construction costs have risen significantly. If your policy hasn’t been updated recently, you might be underinsured. We recommend reviewing your coverage annually.
4. Personal property coverage protects your belongings inside the home. Make a home inventory (photos and receipts) so you can accurately file a claim if disaster strikes.
5. Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable. Make sure your limits are adequate — hotel costs and restaurant meals add up quickly.
At Wesley K. Smith Insurance, we review these details with every client. Don’t wait until a storm hits to find out you’re underinsured. Call us at (855) WesleyK for a free policy review.