Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer days—but it also marks the arrival of severe weather. From thunderstorms and high winds to hail and tornadoes, spring storms can cause significant damage to homes and vehicles. Preparing ahead of time and ensuring your insurance coverage is up to date can help protect your property and provide peace of mind. Here’s how to safeguard your home and car before, during, and after a storm.

Before the Storm: Securing Your Property

Taking proactive steps before a storm can minimize damage and reduce repair costs. Here are keyways to prepare your home and vehicle:

Protecting Your Home

Inspect Your Roof: Check for loose or missing shingles and make necessary repairs to prevent leaks. Consider impact-resistant shingles if you live in a hail-prone area.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of water damage.
Secure Outdoor Furniture & Decorations: High winds can turn patio furniture, grills, and garden decorations into dangerous projectiles. Store them in a garage or secure them with anchors.
Trim Trees & Remove Dead Branches: Strong winds can snap branches, causing damage to your home or nearby power lines.
Check Your Sump Pump: If your basement has a sump pump, test it to make sure it’s functioning properly before heavy rains arrive.

Protecting Your Vehicle

Park in a Garage or Covered Area: If possible, keep your car in a garage to protect it from hail and debris. If a garage isn’t available, consider using a thick car cover or padded blankets during hailstorms.
Avoid Parking Near Trees or Power Lines: Falling limbs and downed wires can cause serious damage to vehicles.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full: Severe storms can lead to power outages, making it difficult to refuel if you need to evacuate.

Reviewing Your Insurance Coverage

Your home and auto insurance policies play a crucial role in storm preparedness. A quick review can ensure you have the right coverage in place before disaster strikes.

Home Insurance Checklist

Check Your Dwelling Coverage: Does your policy cover the full cost to rebuild your home if it’s severely damaged or destroyed? Construction costs fluctuate, so it’s important to update coverage accordingly.
Understand Wind & Hail Deductibles: Some policies have separate deductibles for wind and hail damage, which may be higher than your standard deductible.
Consider Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, purchasing separate flood insurance is essential.
Review Personal Property Coverage: Make sure valuables like electronics, furniture, and appliances are adequately covered. A home inventory list can help document belongings in case of a claim.

Auto Insurance Checklist

Ensure You Have Comprehensive Coverage: This covers storm-related damage, including hail, flooding, and falling debris. Without comprehensive coverage, storm damage may not be covered under your auto policy.
Check Rental Car Coverage: If your car is damaged in a storm and needs repairs, rental car reimbursement coverage can help cover temporary transportation costs.

After the Storm: What to Do If You Have Damage

If your home or vehicle is damaged by a storm, taking the right steps can help streamline the claims process and get repairs started quickly.

For Home Damage:

Assess the Damage Safely: Check for structural damage, broken windows, and leaks. Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas.
Take Photos & Document Everything: Photograph all damages before making temporary repairs. Keep receipts for any supplies used to prevent further damage.
Contact Your Insurance Provider: Report the damage as soon as possible to start the claims process.
Make Temporary Repairs: Cover broken windows with plywood or tarps to prevent additional damage while waiting for repairs.
Be Cautious of Scammers: After a storm, fraudulent contractors often appear. Work with licensed, insured professionals and verify credentials before signing any contracts.

For Vehicle Damage:

Take Photos of the Damage: Capture images from multiple angles, including dents, shattered glass, and water intrusion.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage and determine if your comprehensive coverage applies.
Get Repair Estimates: Work with your insurer to find an approved repair shop or get quotes from reputable mechanics.
Avoid Driving a Flooded or Hail-Damaged Car: If your vehicle has water damage, do not attempt to start it, as this can cause further mechanical issues.

Spring storms can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can minimize damage and protect your home and vehicle. By securing your property, reviewing your insurance coverage, and knowing what to do after a storm, you can be better prepared for whatever the season brings.