After Isaias, NC Department of Insurance lists steps for storm damage; NCIUA says named-storm deductible does not apply
The North Carolina Department of Insurance advised homeowners to prevent further damage and keep receipts after the October 11 storms. The NCIUA, which writes wind and hail coverage on many coastal homes, said its named-storm deductible would not apply because no watches or warnings were issued for North Carolina.
· WilmingtonNCRoofer.com news desk
After the remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought tornadoes and wind damage across North Carolina on October 11, the North Carolina Department of Insurance advised homeowners to report losses to their insurer and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, WRAL reported on October 12. Reasonable costs to protect property are part of the loss, so keep receipts for temporary repairs such as tarps. Permanent repairs made before the insurer has a chance to inspect may not be covered.
In some coastal areas, wind and hail are excluded from the main homeowners policy and covered by a separate policy from the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA). The NCIUA said it was using its member-insurer handling procedures for wind and hail policies during Isaias, that the named-storm deductible would not apply because no watches or warnings had been issued for North Carolina, and that claims should be reported directly to the NCIUA, according to WRAL.
The Better Business Bureau also warned about door-to-door contractors after the storm, including high-pressure offers, cash-only deals, large upfront payments and refusal to put the agreement in writing.
What this means for homeowners
Look at your declarations page to see whether your wind and hail coverage is with your main insurer or the NCIUA, and which deductible applies. See wind/hail deductibles and storm chasers.