"Stormproof Your Life: Navigating Insurance Claims in Extreme Weather" Insurance Hour 02-09-2024

Published Date: 02/09/2024

Stormproof Your Life: How to Navigate Insurance Claims in Extreme Weather

Extreme weather is no longer rare. Across the U.S.—from California’s atmospheric rivers to Florida’s devastating hailstorms—storms are hitting harder, faster, and more frequently. And every one of them leaves behind the same question for homeowners and renters alike:

“Am I covered?”

Insurance expert Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour, has been on the front lines helping Californians understand what to do before, during, and after catastrophic weather events. In this episode—aptly titled “Stormproof Your Life”—he breaks down practical steps to protect your property and navigate insurance claims when the skies turn dark.

Here’s what every homeowner and policyholder should know.

1. Before the Storm: Small Moves That Make a Big Difference

Preparation is the key to weathering a storm, and as Susman humorously points out, it starts with the basics—like turning off your sprinklers.

It may sound trivial, but every drop counts. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” he says. “People’s sprinklers are still running while the rain is pouring down.” Not only does this waste water, but it adds to the already saturated ground, increasing the risk of flooding around your foundation.

He suggests that emergency weather alerts—like flash flood warnings—should include practical tips: “Take shelter. Turn off sprinklers. Secure outdoor items.” These may seem simple, but they prevent costly damage when time is short.

2. Stay Powered and Connected

When storms hit, the first thing most people lose is power—and with it, their ability to communicate or receive updates.

That’s why Susman advises everyone to keep their cell phones fully charged, along with any portable power banks or backup batteries.

“Your cell phone may still work when your internet and electricity go out, because it runs on a different infrastructure. It becomes your lifeline during an outage.”

This means your phone isn’t just for entertainment—it’s your emergency tool. Keep extra chargers ready, especially if you live in areas prone to outages or flash flooding.

3. Keep Food Safe During Power Outages

Storms and power outages go hand in hand. One often-overlooked issue is food spoilage, which can result in hundreds of dollars in losses.

Susman offers a clever trick:

“In a long outage, move some frozen food—like vegetables or ice packs—from your freezer into the fridge. It helps keep everything cool longer.”

The key, he adds, is to avoid repeatedly opening your refrigerator door. Every peek lets cold air escape and warm air in.

As for insurance coverage, food spoilage is often covered under your homeowners or renters policy—but only if the outage is caused by a covered peril, such as storm damage. If a utility failure occurs for unrelated reasons, coverage may not apply. Always check your policy’s “loss of refrigerated property” clause or ask your broker for clarification.

4. Protect Your Vehicle: Floods Can Move Cars in Inches of Water

One of the most surprising storm hazards is how easily cars can be swept away by floodwaters.

“It only takes five to seven inches of moving water to lift a vehicle off the ground,” Susman warns.

If you can’t park in a garage or carport, turn your wheels toward the curb—just like you would on a hill. This prevents your vehicle from rolling or drifting if it starts to move.

And whatever you do, don’t try to stop a moving car in floodwater. Not only is it unsafe, it’s virtually impossible. “It’s like being on ice,” he explains. “Once that car starts moving, there’s nothing you can do to stop it.”

5. After the Storm: Should You File a Claim?

When the skies clear and you’re assessing damage, your first instinct may be to file an insurance claim. But in today’s hard market, you need to think strategically.

Property insurance availability—especially in California and Florida—is shrinking fast. Insurers are tightening underwriting, pausing new policies, and non-renewing risk-prone properties. That means your existing policy is valuable, and filing minor claims could put it at risk.

Susman’s advice is pragmatic:

“If you can comfortably afford to pay for the damage, especially if it’s close to your deductible, it might make more sense to handle it out of pocket.”

However, there’s an important exception: catastrophe (CAT) events.

When a storm or wildfire is officially declared a catastrophe, insurers typically don’t count those claims against you. It’s their way of acknowledging that the damage was unavoidable.

Still, every carrier defines a CAT event differently. Before filing, call your agent or broker and ask:

• Has my insurer designated this event as a catastrophe?
• Will this claim count against my loss history?
• What’s the potential impact on renewal or pricing?

This quick conversation could save you thousands—and your policy.

6. Understanding Water Damage vs. Flood Damage

Not all water is created equal—at least not in the eyes of your insurance company.

Susman clarifies the distinctions:

• Water entering through your roof or broken window during a storm? Typically covered by homeowners insurance.
• Rising water seeping in under your door? That’s flood damage—covered only by a flood insurance policy through FEMA or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Mudslides or earth movement? Usually not covered under standard home or flood policies.

Unfortunately, as Susman notes, there’s currently no widely available policy specifically for mudslides. Some legislators have proposed national reinsurance programs that could change that, but for now, homeowners in hilly areas must rely on mitigation and local grants.

7. Handling Tree Damage and Neighbor Disputes

One of the most common post-storm headaches is a fallen tree—especially when it lands on a neighbor’s property.

Who pays? It depends.

If your neighbor’s tree falls on your home, you might still file a claim under your own policy, which can then “subrogate” against their insurer later.

“Don’t go outside with a tape measure or start arguing about whose property line it’s on,” Susman cautions. “Call your agent, file the claim, and let the insurance companies sort it out.”

Subrogation simply means your insurer pays you first, then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance. It’s faster, safer, and less stressful for everyone involved.

8. Auto Damage During Storms

If your vehicle suffers damage while parked—say, from flooding, hail, or falling debris—that’s generally covered under comprehensive (other-than-collision) coverage.

Susman jokes about the misleading name:

“They call it comprehensive, but it really covers just one thing—damage when the car’s not in motion.”

In states like California, comprehensive claims are non-chargeable, meaning they won’t raise your rates. However, your policy doesn’t cover personal items inside the car. Damage to laptops, tools, or valuables would fall under your homeowners or renters policy, under the section “personal property away from premises.”

9. Filing a Claim the Right Way

When you decide to file a claim, do it smartly. You can:

1. Call it in.
2. File online through the insurer’s website.
3. Use the company’s mobile app.

Whichever method you choose, always get a claim confirmation number—your “receipt.”

Susman likens the process to a doctor’s office visit:

“You’ll tell your story to several people—the intake rep, the examiner, and the adjuster. It’s not a trap; it’s just how the system works.”

He also recommends following up politely via email once you’re assigned an adjuster:

“Just a quick note introducing yourself and confirming your claim number makes you memorable—and makes their job easier.”

10. Working with Claims Adjusters

Claims adjusters have one of the toughest jobs in the industry. They’re constantly dealing with people on their worst days—after loss, stress, or fear.

Susman’s advice? Be kind.

“They didn’t cause the accident or the leak in your roof. Their job is to look at your policy and pay you fairly. Treat them with respect—it goes a long way.”

Frustration is natural, but hostility rarely helps. Adjusters can be powerful allies when you approach the process collaboratively.

11. Document Everything

In insurance, documentation is gold.

• Take photos and videos before, during, and after the event.
• Keep receipts for repairs, temporary lodging, or food losses.
• Save all emails with your insurer or adjuster.

You can’t “over-document,” Susman says. It helps prove your claim and speeds up processing. “It also makes the adjuster’s day when you hand them everything neatly organized instead of making them dig for it.”

12. Looking Ahead: The Future of Weather and Insurance

Climate change is altering not only weather patterns but also the entire insurance ecosystem.

“The weather patterns of the past are gone,” Susman concludes. “Insurance products, pricing, and even underwriting will have to change with them.”

As disasters become more frequent and costly, insurers are reassessing risk models, raising deductibles, and shifting toward risk-based pricing.

For consumers, that means education and communication are more critical than ever. Understand your policy. Talk to your broker. Review your coverage annually.

Insurance, Susman reminds us, isn’t just about protection—it’s about preparation.

Final Takeaway

When the next storm hits—and it will—what matters most isn’t just your policy, but your readiness.

• Charge your phone.
• Secure your property.
• Know your deductibles.
• Document everything.
• Treat your adjuster with respect.

And above all, remember that while property can be replaced, people cannot. Protect lives first—claims come second.