DATE: 13 Jan 2009, 10:10 am / MOOD: Other

In New York, particularly on Long Island in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens County, Brooklyn County, and Richmond County, homeowners may be faced with the prospect of trying to obtain home insurance (or having existing insurance) for a home that they own which is on or close to the water. In recent years this has become a complicated challenge.

A Flooded House on Long Island

Most insurance companies have restrictions based on the homes' proximity to the ocean and other tidal waters, therefore, it becomes important know the obstacles you are up against BEFORE you purchase that dream house. The cut-off for most companies is 2500 feet of the ocean or tidal bay, although this may vary.

In recent years, the increased hurricane activity and the over-development along waterfront property has put more homes in harms way of wind and water damage. To limit exposure to these catastrophic storms and hurricanes, many insurance carriers have introduced wind or hurricane deductibles into their policies. This deductible typically can be 2%, 5% or 7% of your dwelling coverage, which can be a hefty amount.  For example, if your dwelling coverage is $250,000, your 5% deductible will be $12,500. You should therefore review your home insurance policy and understand this important deductible language. You must understand:

1. What % deductible your policy carries (2%, 5%, 7%) 

2. What triggers the deductible to apply (a windstorm, a category one or category two hurricane).

Another important consideration when insuring your home near any body of water should be flood insurance, as your home policy will not normally cover damages arising out of a flood. In New York, companies selling the National Flood Insurance policy can help you with this coverage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established flood zones for your home's location and the insurance premium will be based upon that flood zone.  For example, premiums for $250,000 of dwelling coverage will range from $338 annually in the most desirable "X" zone and could be as much as $1,000-2,000 in the more vulnerable "A" zone.   

As insurance companies re-evaluate their risk management in the New York coastal areas it is more important than ever to continually review your home insurance policy and set up a meeting with your agent to make sure you are properly covered. The cost for this "insurance check-up" should be free, and could give you some much needed peace of mind knowing that you are properly covered before disaster strikes.

A Flooded Street in NYC

If you are one of the unfortunate policyholders that have received a non-renewal notice due to your home's location you should not panic, as you will have a couple of months to secure new coverage. First, try and get a referral from the company that is cancelling you, as they may have a relationship with a local broker that is able to write your insurance. And secondly, make sure you try and stay with a financially secure and reputable company.

 

 

 

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DATE: 04 Dec 2008, 4:58 pm / MOOD: Other

If any covered peril damages or destroys your home, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. You will need to promptly notify your insurance agent. You must be aware that an insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and as such, there are rules and procedures that you and your insurer must follow. Read your insurance policy to see what your responsibilities are.

 1. If you are the victim of a theft or your home has been vandalized or burglarized, report it to the police.

2. Before filing a claim, call your agent and ask questions: Is my loss a covered loss? Does my claim exceed my deductible? How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?

3. Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage.

4. You are going to need to verify your loss. Take pictures and avoid throwing out damaged items until the adjuster has visited your home.

5. If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep records of all additional expenses incurred. Most home insurance policies provide coverage for the “loss of use” of their home.

6. Once your insurance company has been notified of your claim, the company is required to send the necessary claim forms to you by the end of a specified time period. (The time period varies from state to state.) Return the properly filled-out forms as soon as possible in order to avoid delays.

7. Your insurance company will usually arrange for an adjuster to come and inspect your loss. Cooperate with them as they gather information. Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that you be sent payment promptly. In most cases, your claim will be processed quickly. If you have any questions about the claim filing laws in your state, call your insurance agent or your state department of insurance.

Important Final Note: It is extremely important for you to thoroughly review and understand your home insurance policy BEFORE you have to deal with the stress of a loss/claim. You should know what perils are covered, and whether the coverage amounts are sufficient in the event of a disaster. Your insurance agent should be more than willing to discuss your specific insurance needs, as well as recommend possible ways to reduce your premiums, ease potential losses and prepare you for the proper steps to take in the event of a loss. But ultimately, the responsibility is yours.

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DATE: 04 Dec 2008, 4:18 pm / MOOD: Other

Long Island Insurance is a local agency. We offer a full line of insurance products including home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance, and car insurance. We currently write business in the entire state of New York with the majority of those clients living in the Staten Island and Long Island area. At our office, we have a fully licensed team of professionals who strive to surpass our customer’s expectations. We will provide you with excellent insurance rates and customer care. Please call us today at (877) 947-2666 or click above to access one of our online, free quote forms.

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