Seasonal Insurance Tips

Seasonal Insurance Tips: Prepare Your Delaware Home and Business for Year-Round Weather 

Delaware’s unique geography exposes its residents and business owners to a variety of seasonal weather challenges, from hurricanes and coastal storms to winter snow and ice. Each season brings different risks, so preparing your insurance coverage accordingly is crucial to safeguard your assets. Here are seasonal insurance tips tailored for Delaware, covering ways to protect your home, vehicle, and business from the common weather-related risks throughout the year. 

Hurricane Season: Protecting Against Coastal Storms 

Hurricane season, running from June through November, can be especially daunting for Delaware residents. The state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it vulnerable to heavy rains, high winds, and potential flooding. Here are some tips to help you get your insurance ready for hurricane season: 

1. Review Your Homeowners Policy for Wind and Water Damage Coverage 

• Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage but often excludes flood-related damage. Given Delaware’s risk for coastal flooding, review your policy to confirm what wind and water damages are covered. Adding a flood insurance policy is strongly recommended for additional protection. 

2. Consider Coverage for Temporary Living Expenses 

• If a hurricane or strong storm renders your home uninhabitable, you may need temporary living arrangements. Check if your insurance policy covers additional living expenses (ALE), which can help cover costs for lodging, meals, and other living expenses during repairs. 

3. Prepare an Inventory of Belongings 

• Keeping an updated inventory of your belongings is critical, especially during hurricane season. This can expedite insurance claims if your property is damaged or destroyed. Take photos, save receipts, and log the value of valuable items for a comprehensive home inventory list. 

4. Windstorm Deductibles and Their Impact on Claims 

• Many insurance policies include a special windstorm deductible for hurricane-related claims, often calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value. Be aware of this deductible and its potential impact on your out-of-pocket costs if your property sustains damage in a storm. 

Winter Storms: Protecting Your Property from Snow and Ice Damage 

Winter in Delaware brings its own set of risks, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Prepare your insurance and property to withstand the challenges of winter storms with the following tips: 

1. Ensure Roof Coverage for Snow and Ice Damage 

• Heavy snowfall and ice accumulation can lead to roof damage or even roof collapse. Check if your policy covers roof repairs and be aware of any exclusions that could impact a winter storm-related claim. Routine roof maintenance, such as clearing gutters and trimming nearby trees, can prevent common issues. 

2. Add Coverage for Water Damage from Frozen Pipes 

• Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to water damage in your home. While some homeowners policies cover burst pipes, review your coverage carefully. Preventative measures, such as insulating pipes and maintaining indoor temperatures, can minimize risks. Some policies also offer endorsements for water damage, which can be worth considering if you live in an older home. 

3. Car Insurance for Winter Road Conditions 

• Snow and ice create hazardous driving conditions, leading to a higher risk of collisions. Comprehensive and collision coverage are important to cover vehicle repairs if you’re involved in an accident. Delaware drivers should also consider adding uninsured motorist coverage, as winter accidents involving uninsured drivers can be costly. 

4. Liability Coverage for Winter-Related Injuries 

• Icy sidewalks and driveways increase the risk of slip-and-fall injuries on your property. Confirm that your homeowners policy includes liability coverage for such injuries, which can help cover medical expenses and legal costs if someone is injured on your property. 

Spring Storms and Flooding: Preparing for Rainy Season 

Spring in Delaware often brings heavy rains, which can lead to localized flooding. Flooding is one of the most common causes of property damage in the spring, so preparing your insurance for this season is essential. 

1. Invest in Flood Insurance 

• Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer is essential. This is especially relevant if you live in a high-risk area. Be mindful that there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes active. 

2. Understand Sewer Backup Coverage 

• Heavy spring rains can cause sewer systems to back up, leading to water damage in basements or lower levels. Many insurance policies offer sewer backup coverage as an add-on, which can help cover cleanup costs if your home experiences water damage due to backed-up sewage. 

3. Inspect for and Mitigate Water Damage Risks 

• Conduct seasonal maintenance to prevent water damage by checking that your home’s foundation and basement are waterproof, and ensure gutters and downspouts are clear. Home maintenance can significantly reduce your risk and help avoid preventable claims. 

4. Car Insurance for Flooded Roads 

• Roads can become treacherous with heavy spring rains, making comprehensive car insurance valuable. This coverage can protect your vehicle from damage due to flooding, which can occur if you drive through standing water. 

Summer Heat: Preparing for Fire Hazards and High Temperatures 

The summer months in Delaware bring increased risk of fire and heat-related damage. Here’s how you can adapt your insurance and property maintenance for the summer season: 

1. Fire Coverage for Homes and Businesses 

• Check that your homeowners or business insurance policy covers fire damage, especially if your property is near wooded areas where fire risk increases in the summer. Installing fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers can also help mitigate risks. 

2. Protection for Business Inventory and Equipment 

• If you own a business, ensure your business insurance policy includes coverage for fire and equipment damage. High summer temperatures can also strain cooling systems, so proper maintenance is critical to prevent costly repairs. 

3. Prepare for Power Outages 

• Summer storms can lead to power outages, which may result in food spoilage and other losses. Some home and business insurance policies offer spoilage coverage as an endorsement. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that store perishable goods. 

4. Wind Damage Protection for Outdoor Structures 

• Delaware’s summer thunderstorms can bring strong winds that damage outdoor structures like sheds, fences, and gazebos. Verify if your policy covers these structures, and consider a windstorm endorsement if you live in a particularly vulnerable area. 

A to Z Insurance, is an independent insurance agency that has served thousands of businesses and consumers across the mid-Atlantic in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia for over 30 years. With offices in Milford, Georgetown, Dover, and Wilmington, A to Z Insurance provides comprehensive coverage options and helps local businesses choose policies that meet their unique needs. Whether you’re new to business ownership or looking to update your existing policy, here’s everything you need to know about selecting the right coverage for your small business.