Maine homeowners insurance and Hurricanes

Hurricane Irene is on the way. What does it mean for your Maine homeowners insurance coverage?

Forecasters from NOAA predicting that Irene could cause flooding, power outages and worse, as far north as Maine, even if it stays offshore.  

If you have homeowners insurance in Maine currently, you have coverage for damage to your property from wind damage, but the standard homeowners policy in Maine does not include flood coverage or coverage from surface water. 

If you don't have a homeowners insurance policy in Maine, you can normally buy a policy from one of our agents and receive proof of insurance on the spot.  But when the National Weather Service issues a Tropical or Hurricane Storm Watch or Warning, we cannot issue a new policy or add coverage to an existing homeowner's policy until 48 hours after the Watch or Warning has been lifted.  I hope the reason is obvious - why would an insurance company sell insurance coverage right before an event with a high probability of causing widespread property damage?

So as Hurricane Irene comes closer, get ready - help is available at the National Hurricane Center. Then, after it passes, speak with one of our Trusted Choice agents to review your insurance. That way, you can be sure to be insurance-ready for the next one.