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What to Do If You’re Caught in Your Car During a Tornado  

Tornadoes are the most violent storms anywhere, and about 1,200 touch ground in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

They’re as unpredictable as they are violent. Twisters most often occur in the early spring on the Gulf Coast, in May and June on the southern plains and in June and July in the upper Midwest. But, tornadoes can occur any time of year and have been recorded in every state, says the NWS.

If a twister forms when you’re traveling through an unfamiliar region, or even while driving near home, you don’t have much time to make smart decisions that can help save your life. The NWS and Red Cross recommend these actions if a tornado catches you while you’re on the go:

Be Alert and Prepared

1. Know the difference between a watch and a warning:
   • Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible around the general watch area. This tells you to be alert and prepared.  
   • Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen or has appeared on weather radar. This tells you to take immediate action to protect yourself and family.
    
2. Know how to access emergency broadcasts in case you encounter worrisome conditions:
   • Local news stations.  
   • NOAA Weather Radio. Dial the VHF public service band from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards broadcast.  
   • Local NWS Weather Forecast Office. Access local watches, warnings, forecasts and radar images online – just not while driving.
    
3. Know the warning signs of a tornado:
   • Dark clouds, frequently greenish.  
   • A wall cloud, attached to the base of a thundercloud but isolated and lowering.  
   • Flying debris.  
   • Large hailstones.  
   • A roaring noise, ranging from the sound of a waterfall to that of a jet engine.  
   • A funnel cloud, a rotating funnel extending from the base of a thundercloud. Once it touches the ground, a funnel cloud is a tornado.

If You’re Caught Outside or Driving

1. Don’t wait to see a funnel once you hear a Tornado Warning.
   • Run to a sturdy building. The basement is the safest place, but a windowless interior room on the building’s lowest level is the next alternative. Mobile homes are not safe.  
   • Get into your car if you cannot immediately get to a shelter on foot. Fasten your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
   Don’t try to outrun a tornado, because they can move across the landscape at 60 mph.  
2. If large objects start to fly past as you are driving, pull over, park and choose the best of the following two options:
   • If you can get significantly below the level of the roadway, such as in a deep ditch, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands protecting your head.  
   • Otherwise, keep your seat belt on and stay in the car. Lower your head below the level of the windows, protecting yourself with your hands. If any other protection is available, such as a blanket, wrap that over your head as well.

Always remember, whenever you encounter severe weather, that a violent storm can escalate and travel quickly. If you’re at home, be ready to put your emergency plan into place, if you can – practicing family drills and setting aside supplies ahead of time will help. If not, take the most appropriate safety measures possible, such as the ones shared above.

Paschall Insurance Group, LLC has been selected for membership in the Safeco Premier Partner Program for the fourth year in a row, which recognizes the outstanding achievement and partnership of only the best agencies.

Fewer than 10% of independent insurance agencies that sell Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor.

At Paschall Insurance Group, we are pleased to be among the top agencies in the country!

As a member in the Safeco Premier Partner Program, Paschall Insurance Group will receive access to special resources and programs that will support us in serving our customers even better with expert advice.

We strive to provide our customers with trusted guidance, so this Safeco honor makes us proud. 

Contractors Promise Free Roof Replacements in Storm-Hit Areas

One day following a particularly nasty hailstorm, you receive a knock on your front door. It’s roofing contractors, and they can replace your roof at no cost to you – it’s covered by your insurance.

Suspicious? You should be.

Roofing contractors (the not-so-reputable kind) spring into action following a storm, coaxing homeowners into okaying work that may or may not be needed and may or may not be covered by their insurance. So, despite how genuine the contractors may seem, it’s smart to remain wary until you work out a few key details. These scenarios and tips should help you sort out any confusion.

Contractors: Want to Take a Quick Look at Your Roof

You: Should Decline

The problem with this scenario is, if you let dishonest contractors onto your roof, they might do more than just look for damage. They might go so far as to cause damage. Why? They want a reason to replace your roof. There’s money in it for them, remember? So, if they don’t see a valid reason, they may attempt to create one.

When representatives from your insurance company come out to take a look, they will likely know the difference between actual storm damage and artificial damage. And, since you only have coverage for the former, according to the terms of your policy, you may have to pay out-of-pocket to repair the latter. So, leave the initial roof inspection to your insurance company or to someone you know and trust.

Contractors: Insist on Starting Work Right Away

You: Should Research, Not Rush

So, the contractors want to begin work right away and handle the insurance details later. All you need to do is sign. Not so fast. You haven’t been in touch with your insurance company, you don’t know anything about the roofers and you likely haven’t had a chance to read the fine print – all red flags.

This is when you stop and ask for the roofers’ business card and references and tell them you may be in touch. Then contact your insurance company, which can likely recommend a reputable roofing contractor in your area. If you wish, look into the other contractors’ reputation online, such as with the Better Business Bureau or other online review sources.

Contractors: Say Your Insurance Company Will Pay the Entire Cost of a New Roof
You: Need to Hear This From Your Carrier, Not a Contractor

Sure, a contractor may say you’re entitled to a new roof because a storm went through the area or because your neighbor’s getting a new roof. However, a random contractor doesn’t know the specifics of your homeowners insurance policy. That’s why it’s important to start with your insurance company when facing the need for potential roof repairs or a potential roof replacement following a storm. This allows you to understand whether or not you have coverage for the scenario at hand. It also helps you know how much you may need to pay out of your own pocket, such as your deductible. And, isn’t that nice to know upfront?

Contractors: Want You to Assign Your Insurance Benefits to Them
You: Should Be Very Cautious

Say you assign your insurance benefits to roofing contractors, who claim this will make the whole process quicker and easier. The problem here is that you may end up being scammed. The contractor may pocket the insurance money and skip town before finishing your roof repairs.

The bottom line is this: Rushing into roof repairs or a roof replacement may leave you on the line for some or all of the costs. So, be wary of contractors going door-to-door in your neighborhood, and contact your insurance company at once if you suspect you have roof damage following a storm.

If you still find yourself hiring or interacting with a roofer, here are some tips:

5 Tips for Dealing With a Roofing Contractor

1. Ask for the contractor’s license number (if your state licenses roofers) and insurance information. Also write down the person’s license plate number and, if possible, driver’s license number.
2. If you allow unfamiliar contractors to inspect your roof, be sure to supervise them. However, it’s best not to let them onto your roof at all.
3. Be especially wary of contractors who say replacing your roof won’t cost a thing. They may even claim they’ll pay your deductible for you.
4. Never sign a contract with blanks. Get everything in writing: Cost, scope of work, time frame, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations. And, read every contract carefully, paying particular attention to any “assignment of benefits” language.
5. Don’t pay in full or sign a certificate of completion until the work is done and you’re satisfied with the outcome.

Finally, one last warning: Contractors may try to pull similar scams with windows, siding or driveways following a storm, so be wary.

We know it can all seem a little daunting. We just want you to be aware of some scenarios you may encounter so you can protect yourself. Because, while not all roofing companies engage in disreputable behavior, some of them certainly do.

So, remember, get in touch with your independent insurance agent or your insurance company first to deal with storm damage. Doing so may just help you avoid unsavory characters and contract conditions. 

Keep Your Place to Play Safe and Secure  

The whole point of a second home, be it a summer vacation retreat or a winter snow-birding destination, is to provide an escape from day-to-day worries, a place to recharge and have fun. But, of course, owning property is never all fun and games. And, when it comes to protecting your investment, seasonal homes can pose unique challenges. Challenges you’ll want to address through some careful insurance choices.

What’s Different About Insuring a Second Home?

You’ll need a separate homeowners policy for your seasonal home, and it might look a little different from your primary homeowners policy. Here are three reasons why:

1. Coverage: Different carriers cover second homes in different ways. Some offer the same broad coverage as a primary home policy – be sure to note any exclusions your policy outlines. Others cover second homes on a “named perils” basis, under which the home is covered only for events such as lightning damage, an explosion, theft or smoke damage that are specifically called out in the policy. The type of policy you want may impact the carrier you choose.  
2. Occupancy: By definition, your second home is likely to be unoccupied for much of the year. That could mean an increased risk of burglary, and no one around to report it. Same with the threat of fires or leaks.  
3. Location: The very thing that makes your getaway spot so appealing can also make it a bigger risk. Waterfront sites could be susceptible to flood damage, for example. Isolated, rural spots could be hard for police or fire agencies to reach in case of an emergency.

Issues like these will impact how much you pay to insure a second home, as well as the type of coverage your carrier is willing to provide. Plus, there are additional insurance considerations for your vacation home:

• Personal Property: You’re certain to keep your vacation home stocked with a few necessities, whether sun loungers or snowboards, to help you enjoy your stay. And, you'll certainly want to cover as much of it as possible under your vacation home policy. So, create a separate home inventory for your second home and update it as you add new belongings. Knowing the value of your things helps you select an appropriate level of personal property coverage on your policy.
• Flood Insurance: If the home is near the water, you’ll want to look into a flood insurance policy. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.
• Umbrella Coverage: Umbrella policies give you extended liability coverage for a relatively low cost. This can be one of the most economical ways to guard against unforeseen expenses, such as a lawsuit resulting from an injury on your property. And, one umbrella policy could cover you at your primary home, your secondary home and wherever you may go.
• Remodels: Is your getaway home a work in progress? Do you plan to add a pool or a new fence? With each change, be sure to check in with your insurance agent to help ensure your policy is keeping pace with your property.
• Discounts: Features such as burglar alarms and sprinkler systems do more than help keep your home secure. They may help you save on your seasonal home insurance policy. You many find other ways to save, too, such as choosing a higher deductible or paying your entire premium at once.
• Home Sharing: Making your seasonal home available to renters is an attractive way to generate some extra income while you’re not using it. However, your insurance carrier may not cover damage caused while the home is rented out. Before you list your vacation home for rent, be sure you understand whether or not you’re covered and purchase additional coverage, as needed.

Many of us aspire to own a vacation home. If you’re thinking about taking that step, or you already have, be sure to talk through your insurance options with an independent insurance agent. Then take some quality time to enjoy your seasonal home. You deserve it!