Are Heavy Winds A Serious Home Insurance Hazard?

Connecticutians were struck by heavy winds and gusty conditions this week as the string of harsh weather continues to bombard the east coast. According to reports, gusts of up to 58 mph brought down trees and utility lines in parts of northern Connecticut this week, causing more than 12,000 power outages and prompting several road closures over the last two days. Authorities say that the majority of outages were reported in Hartford and the surrounding areas. The winds cause a number of trees to topple onto homes, streets and patios causing property damage, while cable and power lines were displaced in some neighborhood creating safety concerns. Meteorologists have issued a wind advisory for Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the The U.S. Natural Hazard Statistics, wind was the fifth leading cause of weather related fatalities between 2004 and 2013. It is also a leading cause of property losses. The exact impact of wind alone is difficult to measure because wind conditions typically accompany storms and other weather systems, but each year American property owners suffer millions of dollars in losses due to wind related damages, while municipal service providers and governments spend millions more to clean up damaged utility lines, roadways and other community infrastructure disrupted by wind related complications.

Luckily, home insurance in CT is designed to help protect property owners from absorbing these expenses. While there are several standard homeowners insurance packages, wind and resulting damages are frequently a basic covered peril. This means that in most situation a standard Connecticut homeowners insurance policy will protect the structure and it’s contents from damages that are the direct result of a windstorm or heavy wind conditions. Still, some homeowners insurance packages provide more coverage than others so it is vital that policyholders speak with their Connecticut insurance provider to fully assess their needs and exposures.

At Byrnes Insurance Agency, we work with some of the most respected carriers in the country which allows our agents to provide clients with competitively priced comprehensive insurance solutions. Our Windham County personal insurance specialists can help you find the perfect balance of coverage and affordability to ensure that your assets are protected. To learn more about our operation and all our offerings, contact us today.