Planning for the Worst

In World War I, a general said, “A battle plan will never survive the first contact with the enemy.” The same goes for disaster plans. When an earthquake or tornado roars through, the best of plans become mere guidelines for survival.

However, good planning can control what happens after the disaster. For property-owning businesses, that planning includes the right kind of Dallas Business insurance. The day after is when many property owners discover their policies do not cover specialized disasters.

Tornado:

According to the Insurance Information Institute, an average of 1,000 tornadoes touch down in the United States per year. Even a small F1 packs 112 mile-per-hour winds, more than enough to strip off a roof or pulverize glass. At the other end of the scale, an F5, such as the storm that devastated Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, comes with structure-shattering winds of 320 miles per hour. 

Every property owner probably has coverage for wind and hail but should check their policy. Can you replace your roof and every window in your building for your limit? If not, you should talk to your agent and reevaluate your coverage. No state is immune from these giant winds. 

Earthquake:

An earthquake doesn’t have to measure high on the Richter Scale to wreak havoc. In parts of the country, such as the Midwest, stately brick buildings were built to withstand wind and snow, not earthquakes. Even a small quake can devastate century-old masonry structures. Flat brittle tar roofs and old-fashioned frame windows are very vulnerable to damage with high repair costs.

Most insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. High risk areas, such as California, have laws regarding quake coverage, but in lower risk areas, it is up to the insured to ask. Property owners should discuss earthquake coverage with their agent. An owner may need an engineering inspection to help weigh the risks versus the cost. 

Flood:

A survey by The National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that 33 percent of property owners believe their policy covers flood damage. The truth is that very few insurance companies provide flood insurance because of the magnitude of the risk. Flood insurance is one of the most complicated facets of disaster planning and should be done with the help of an insurance agent.

Disasters happen, but good planning can lessen the effect and accelerate the recovery. Contact an agent at All About Insurance today to schedule an appointment to review your current coverage.