UPDATED 6/23/16
With new storms causing damage all across the Cincinnati area, homeowners are once again learning that insurance may not cover everything.
That's what happened after an intense storm last year in Northern Kentucky..
Betty Penrod's yard and home were severely damaged by the Spring storm.
"I mean it's just unreal, the hail," she said.
The storm left its biggest mark, however, on the roof. "We'll need a new roof again," Penrod said.
Luckily, her insurance company paid for the repairs. But in some storm damage cases, it may not.
When Insurance May Not Cover
In some cases, your homeowner's insurance won't cover the damage, and you may not even want to report it to your agent after a storm, as it could move you into a "higher risk" category.
State insurance departments warn that most homeowners' policies will not cover storm flooding: You need an add-on flood "rider" or Federal Flood Insurance for that.
Calling and filing a claim for rain flooding may get you nowhere, and may cost you more in the long run, as it could put your home in the high risk category for flooding.
The good news is:
- Insurance will cover roof wind damage.
- It will cover wind or hail damage to siding.
- It will cover the damage if a tree falls on your home or car.
But it won't cover the cleanup of a tree that falls your yard.
Finally, if the damage is minor, and may cost just a few hundred dollars to correct, you may want to pay out of pocket, to avoid a possible rate hike later.
That way you don't waste your money.
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