South Raleigh News

North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following announcement on May 7.

With the 2020 hurricane season approaching, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey urges all North Carolinians to prepare for the potential of extreme weather during the coming months.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30. Weather experts predict an above normal hurricane season for 2020.

“One of your top priorities should be to ensure you have the appropriate insurance coverage for the dangerous storms that could wipe out our homes and possessions in a flash,” said Commissioner Causey. “It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect, so now is the time to contact your agent to see if you have the right coverage.”

Preparation before a storm is key. Residents should take inventory and document what they own. This will help insurance companies examine potential losses and assure proper coverage. In addition, individuals and families should have a storm-readiness plan in place. Families should discuss the plan so everyone knows how to respond once a storm hits.

Residents should also be aware of the following:

• Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, although most mobile homeowners’ and comprehensive auto policies do.
• A landlord’s insurance policy likely won’t cover damage to a renter’s personal property.
• The National Flood Insurance Program takes 30 days to take effect. Waiting to take out a flood policy once a storm or hurricane is in motion will be too late.
• Just because there’s no longer a mortgage on a home does not nullify the need for homeowners’ insurance.

North Carolina residents now have greater flood coverage options than ever before. Commissioner Causey recently approved a statewide flood insurance program that participating companies can now offer to residents living anywhere in the state. The program is separate from the National Flood Insurance Program. Commissioner Causey hopes to eventually see all North Carolinians protected in the event of a flood or mudslide.

To educate consumers, insurance and real estate agents as well as adjusters, Commissioner Causey has set up free flood insurance conferences across the state. Insurance agents, real estate agents, and adjusters can receive four hours of continuing education credits by attending one of these conferences.

Because of efforts to limit personal contact and avoid large gatherings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the next three conferences will be held online through WebEx. Registration remains open for the following dates:

• Wednesday, May 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (originally scheduled for Fayetteville Technical Community College). To register, click here by May 20.
• Tuesday, June 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. (originally scheduled for Gaston College). To register, click here by June 2.
• Wednesday, June 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (originally scheduled for Mitchell Community College). To register, click here by June 3.

These four in-person conferences have been scheduled for later:

Wednesday, July 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cape Fear Community College

Union Station (U-170 - The Auditorium)

502 N. Front St.

Wilmington, N.C.  28401

To register: click here by July 1.

 

Thursday, Aug. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center - Room A

340 Victoria Road

Asheville, N.C. 28801

To register: click here by Aug. 20.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Jennette’s Pier

Oceanview Hall

7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail

Nags Head, N.C. 27959

To register: click here by Sept. 2.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wake Tech - Southern Wake Campus

Building L - Student Services – Conference Center

9101 Fayetteville Road

Raleigh, N.C. 27603

To register: click here by Sept. 30.

 

For more information, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance by calling 1-855-408-1212.

Original source can be found here.