Some may not be a stranger to this story: a disaster happens to your home or business and the insurance policy will not pay for the damages.

Business, homeowners, and renters policies many times do not cover damages for things that one would think. Many simply policies exclude coverage in the event of floods, water damage, earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism, tsunamis, mudslides, land erosion, sink holes, volcanoes, acts of God, if a home is left partially standing after a collapse, mold, etc.: some things caused by Mother Nature or the lack of maintenance or prevention (like leaking pipes).

Read one Buffalo couple’s story and their misadventure.

When purchasing an insurance policy for a home, apartment, or business, carefully review the policy details with your insurance agent to see what incidents are covered. Many policies will protect the contents within a building and the structure when a handful of scenarios happen such as theft, fires, vandalism, lightening, and damage by a vehicle: things that are sudden and/or accidental.

Ask your agent about what kinds of endorsements or riders (such as flood insurance) are offered for the policy you have. Take the time to sit down with your agent to review your insurance policy on a yearly or bi-yearly basis so you can know exactly what to expect from your insurance company should the unthinkable happen.

Learn more about disaster restoration.