April is typically a very active month for tornados and each year about 1,200 tornadoes with wind speeds as high as 300 mph touch down in the United States. Though not generally as destructive as hurricanes, tornadoes are more frequent and can also cause severe damage.
April 2011 has been very active with a tornado-spewing storm system that killed at least 45 people across half the country unleashed its worst fury on North Carolina, where homes broke apart, trees snapped and livestock were swept into the air. Residents in the capital city and rural hamlets alike on Sunday mourned the dead, marveled at their own survival and began to clean up devastated neighborhoods.
Observers reported more than 60 tornadoes across North Carolina on Saturday, but most of the state's 21 confirmed deaths occurred in two rural counties. A thunderstorm spawned a tornado that killed four people in southeastern Bladen County, then kept dropping tornadoes as it hopscotched more than 150 miles, eventually moving into Bertie County and killing 11 more.
Heavy winds swept some homes from their foundations, demolished others and flipped cars on tiny rural roads between Askewville and Colerain, North Carolina, Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb said. At least three of those who died were from the same family, he said.
Homeowner's Insurance Coverage of Tornado Damage
Standard homeowners and business insurance policies cover wind damage caused by tornadoes and severe weather. Homeowners insurance policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses that policyholders will need to finance temporary housing costs and other daily necessities. Damage to vehicles is covered under the comprehensive section of standard auto insurance policies, which is optional.
Homeowners insurance covers damage to both the structure of the home and personal belongings. There is also coverage for property damage under renters, condo/co-op and mobile home policies. Compensation will be based on both the amount of insurance purchased and the type of policy selected. Replacement cost policies would generally provide reimbursement for the full value of the damage, while cash value policies will only provide reimbursement for its depreciated value.
If a client is unable to live in their home because of tornado damage, they would also be covered for the cost of additional living expenses such as hotel, restaurants bills and other reasonable expenses.
Business Coverage
Coverage for damage caused by tornadoes is covered by standard business owners' policies or BOPs. There would be coverage for the physical damage to business property, as well as business interruption which provides reimbursement for lost income. There may also be coverage for the extra expense of operating out of a temporary location, if the business is badly damaged by the tornado.
Survival Keys
Advanced planning is a key to tornado survival. Agents and brokers need t encourage clients to plan in advance according to the Insurance Information Institite. The III says in the venet of losses, particularly from tornados it helps for insureds to have an up-to-date inventory of their possessions with a copy stored off premises. If their belongings are damaged, this list will help facilitate the claim. Clients should also be encouraged to keep emergency supplies handy such as cash, bottled water, flashlights and extra prescription drugs.
