FOR INFORMATION:
Mary Bonelli/Mitch Wilson: 614.228.1593
After hours: Mary/614.443.0400; Mitch/614.868.0575

As many Ohioans focus on clean up efforts following the July storm outbreaks, 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. Such 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 tips

• Closely inspect property and cars for damage.
• Photograph any damage and inventory losses, especially if heavy, widespread damage has occurred.
• Secure property from further damage or theft. Save all receipts since many insurers will reimburse these expenses.
• Contact your insurance agent regarding coverage clarification and damage assessment regarding a potential claim. Insurers have tightened underwriting guidelines and may evaluate all claims filed in recent years which could impact your insurability.
• Consider obtaining a written repair estimate prior to filing a claim as repair costs may not exceed your deductible.
• If required to seek temporary housing due to a covered loss, check your policy for "additional living expense" or "loss of use" coverage. Many policies cover additional expenses up to a stated amount (like motel & dining expenses).

Home contractor repair tips

• Beware of rip offs. Carefully check the background of contractors and others who promise "cheap" repairs. OII suggests checking with family and friends for referrals, or contacting your local home builders association or the Better Business Bureau.
• Obtain several estimates and request customer references. Be sure that estimates include all contractor info, including the contractor's name, address and phone number.

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.

-30-

NOTE: Other Web resources containing construction and/or repair tips include:
National Insurance Crime Bureau - Don't be Victimized Twice - Avoid Disaster Fraud
Federal Trade Commission - Home Sweet Home Improvement