hurricane season survival

Beware when starting or buying a flood-damaged car

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
Beware when starting or buying a flood-damaged car

Getting a car working again after a flood takes more than just drying the carpets and turning the key. Whether a car was hit by rising waters or a torrential downpour owners should be cautious before starting or even moving their vehicle, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. “The amount of damage depends on how long a vehicle has been submerged and how deep,” Bill Underriner, NADA chairman, said in a statement. “A good…

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Summer storms invite fraud

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
Summer storms invite fraud

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns homeowners that the threat of summer rainstorms, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires can not only cause damage to a homeowner’s property, they can also invite the risk of insurance fraud. After a storm, scammers will try to cheat honest homeowners who need repairs often urgently after a storm, or for routine seasonal fix-ups. “Most contractors are honest, but far too many are incompetent and unlicensed storm chasers whose best…

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Wildfire-hit areas could skip wait time for flood insurance

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
Wildfire-hit areas could skip wait time for flood insurance

Residents in Colorado affected by recent wildfires could be eligible for an exception from the 30-day waiting period usually required for flood insurance coverage, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, signed into law recently by President Barack Obama, increases access to the National Flood Insurance Program for some residents whose homes were impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires. The new law exempts…

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Association offers information on hurricane survival

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
Association offers information on hurricane survival

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America is offering home and business owners a list of steps to take immediately prior to and following a hurricane. The organization wants to help residents in hurricane-prone states make preparations for the threat of devastating storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a very active storm season with three to seven major hurricanes and the PCI recommends that homeowners, businesses and public policymakers take the necessary steps…

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