FOR INFORMATION:
Mitch Wilson/Dan Kelso - 614-228-1593

Hail and Wind Damage - Easter Sunday, April 20, 2003

As many Ohioans in Central Ohio focus on clean up efforts following Easter Sunday's evening storm outbreak, the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) provides the following information regarding typical coverage under home, renters and auto insurance policies.

Renters/homeowners property coverage

Renters and home owners are protected by the insurance policy's "windstorm" peril coverage from losses arising from high winds, hail and tornadoes. Renters are provided coverage to protect their belongings, while home owners typically are afforded protection for both the structure (home) and its contents. The amount of coverage provided under a policy is based on the limits of coverage selected by the policyholder. Deductibles apply.

Vehicle coverage

Vehicles are protected under the "other than collision" (comprehensive) portion of an auto insurance policy if damaged by windstorms or hail. The Institute recommends that if severe weather threatens, cars should be moved under cover to prevent damage from high winds, flying debris and hail. Deductibles apply.

Debris removal

Typically, the cost associated with removing a fallen tree (or trees) is covered up to $1,000 ($500/tree) under the following circumstances:

• The tree was uprooted due to windstorm, hail, or the peril of weight of ice, snow or sleet or a neighbor's tree was downed under the same circumstances and
• The tree damaged a covered structure such as the roof, garage or shed, or
• The fallen tree has not damaged covered property but blocks the insured's driveway or handicap access ways.

Damage to trees

The residence's trees, shrubs, plants or lawn are not covered from damage caused by wind or hail. These damages are covered from the perils of fire, lightning, explosion, riot or civil commotion, aircraft, nonowned vehicles, vandalism, malicious mischief or theft. The limit is 5% of the dwelling amount, but no more than $500 for any one tree, shrub or plant. If lightning strikes a tree and falls on your home, homeowners coverage applies as noted.

Reasonable repairs

Costs incurred from taking measures to protect against further damage (such as placing plastic over a damaged roof, covering windows to prevent further rain damage, etc.) are likely reimbursable under your homeowners policy. Save these receipts.

Insurance claims tips

• Contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible.
• Closely inspect property and cars for damage.
• Photograph any damage and inventory losses, especially if heavy, widespread damage has occurred. These will assist with claims handling.
• Secure property from further damage or theft and save any related receipts, since many insurers will reimburse you for these expenses.
• If required to seek temporary housing due to a covered loss such as a tornado, check your policy for "additional living expense" coverage. Many policies cover such expenses up to a stated amount.
• Beware of rip offs. Carefully check the background of contractors and others who promise "cheap" repairs. There will always be those who try to profit from the losses of others.

The OII is a trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry. A primary objective of the OII is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and related safety issues. The Institute for Business & Home Safety offers a publication, Protect Your Home Against Hail Damage, at www.ibhs.org/research_library/view.asp?id=122. Visit OII's Web site at www.ohioinsurance.org.

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NOTE: OII is conducting a damage assessment survey from the Easter storms. We anticipate having Ohio damage loss estimates available by May 1. To be added to the distribution list for these figures, E-mail mitchw@ohioinsurance.org and include your name, publication/station and your E-mail address.