Insure for the Worst

By Judith Sterling
Nationwide Insurance Agent
Leading Edge

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Hope for the best, and insure for the worst. Then, when disaster strikes, your first priority can be personal safety above everything else.

Hurricane Irene’s recent visit has caused a great many people to turn to their homeowners insurance policies for relief and assistance. Nationwide, with its extensive coverage of Southern Maryland, set up centers for those impacted by the disaster to receive water and other necessities, including diapers.

Some people have been surprised to learn that deductibles on their policies are different for named storms.

According to Therese M. Goldsmith, Maryland’s insurance commissioner, some insurance policies have increased deductibles in response to high claims resulting from recent cataclysmic storms. Some policies build in higher deductibles for named storms – such as Hurricane Irene. These deductibles, according to Ms. Goldsmith, are up to five percent of the value of the policy.

“¢Learn what the deductible is on your home-owners policy before you need it. Your insurance agent can sit down with you and go over these and other policy details. Understanding your policy and feeling comfortable about your coverage will help in times of need.

“¢Absolutely believe what safety officials tell you. If you are told to evacuate your home, do so. There is often very little you can do to prevent damage in the midst of a disaster. Keep yourself safe and when the coast is clear let your insurance company act as a partner in assessing the damage.

If you don’t feel like your insurance company is your partner, consider switching. Nationwide in St. Mary’s County set up stations to assist hurricane victims providing necessities such as water and even diapers. Nationwide is on your side.

Judith Sterling
301.994.0401 Office
301.904.1506 Cellular