What to know about your home insurance policy before disaster strikes

Those affected by the April 29, 2022, tornado that hit rural Sedgwick County, Andover and then rural Butler County are now moving back into rebuilt homes.

It’s bittersweet for some, who have found their insurance coverage wasn’t enough to refurnish their homes or, in some cases, enough to rebuild.

Natural disasters, like hurricanes, have increased insurance premiums, causing some people to try to save money at the cost of losing some coverage, said Vonda Copeland, a board member of the Kansas Association of Professional Insurance Agents.

“They have to make sure they are getting enough insurance for their risk tolerance,” she said.

Here are ways she says you can make sure your insurance policy is enough and that it covers all that you have:

• Have a conversation with your insurance agent to know what is covered. Some of the biggest things to know are if the policy pays out enough to cover rebuilding the home and property based on current market prices and if the payout for contents is based on depreciation or the actual cost to replace it.
• Know the specifics of the policy on big items. For example, she said, items like guns, jewelry and art could have a maximum payout. If those items are worth more than the payout, the insurance company may need to get them appraised in order to cover the full cost to replace them.
• Keep a spreadsheet, preferably online, of all the items you have. Check and update the list yearly.
• Take photos and/or videos of all your stuff, especially more expensive items. Those photos or videos should be stored on the Internet. They can also be sent to your insurance agent for them to keep on file.

For renters, adding insurance can ensure belongings are covered in case of a disaster. Renters’ insurance cost an average of $15-20 a month, according to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

There is still an option to get some help after last year’s tornado. United Way has paid out just over $250,000 of nearly $900,000 raised. Affected families can call United Way at 211 to see if they are eligible for help.