How to Buy Homeowners Insurance After a Tornado
Yes, it is possible to buy homeowners insurance after a tornado. If your home was damaged by a tornado, there are important steps to take before you buy a homeowners insurance policy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may help you with necessary repairs.
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Instructions
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Repair the tornado damage to your home as soon as possible. Quick repairs, even if only temporary, will stop further damage to your home. Cover roof damage with tarps, remove hazardous materials such as broken glass. Take pictures of your damaged home before repairs, this will show the insurance company the extent and quality of your repairs. If your tornado damaged home is in an area declared a disaster, FEMA will help with necessary repairs.
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Follow the building code for your area. Make sure you know what your local building code is, so you can be sure any contractor you hire is also following building codes. When you buy homeowners insurance after a tornado, the insurance company will require proof that building codes were met during construction or repairs.
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Shop for insurance quotes before you buy homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies will quote you a normal rate, but many insurance companies will consider your location a high-risk location. High-risk homeowners insurance is more difficult to obtain and more expensive. Your best bet is to buy homeowners insurance from a local company, because they are familiar with the locale and risk.
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Contact your state's insurance commission if you have difficulty buying homeowners insurance after a tornado. Many states have an insurance pool for homeowners who cannot buy regular homeowners insurance, however this type of insurance should only be considered if there is no other alternative because of the excessive expense.
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Tips & Warnings
Use only licensed contractors for home repairs after a tornado.
