Tornadoes and Windstorms and Hail, Oh My!

To steal a line from the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz", "Unusual weather we're having, ain't it?"

Have you budgeted for increased home insurance premiums this year?  If you haven't, you darn well should.  Here are some staggering statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regarding our favorite Commonwealth of Kentucky as of July 30, 2012.  (NOAA) 

·         Kentucky ranks 3rd in the nation for overall weather related events (combines, wind hail, and tornado activity)

·         Kentucky has experienced 63 Tornadoes – which also ranks 3rd to Texas and Kansas.

·        Kentucky is ranked 2nd in Wind events – behind Texas which is 268,820 square miles – compared to KY which comes in at a mire 40,409 square miles.

"Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."  

Insurance companies are raising premiums, increasing deductibles and, in general, being very picky about whose homes they even want to insure!  What can you do?

1. Talk to your Trusted Choice Agent.  With access to multiple insurance companies, the Trusted Choice Agent can compare policies and premiums for you.
2. Increase your current home insurance deductible to at least $1,000.  Ask for the savings to go even higher.
3. Do your part to minimize the chance of ANY damage happening at your home:
• Invest in smoke detectors, burglar alarms and dead bolt locks.
• If you have water backup problems in the basement, install a sump pump.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after each and every use
• Check and replace those standard rubber hoses on your washing machine with steel braided reinforced hoses.  

Kentuckians, your home is one of your most valuable possessions.  Use your brain to prevent claims, your courage to talk to your agent about your options and your heart to protect what you love.  "Oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home."