SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – When natural disasters strike, people’s lives and even their homes are forever changed.
In the wake of Hurricane Helen and now Milton, people in affected areas are hoping their insurance can fill some of the gaps now.
Western Mass News spoke with John Sweeney, owner of John R. Sweeney Insurance in West Springfield, about what steps those affected by Helen’s insurance companies should take next. I explained.
“If there’s damage, we’ll have an appraiser come in and give us an estimate, and they’ll pay us based on the cash value. That’s the current value,” Sweeney said.
He also explained how insurance officials are providing disaster relief to other affected businesses.
“We’ll get people from other parts of the country to come there, we’ll bring in appraisers from here, we’ll have restoration companies come in to help with the damage that has occurred.”
We also spoke with insurance agency owner Lana Morton to explain how natural disasters can increase premiums for insurance companies across the country.
“The reinsurance companies are billing the insurance companies more, so the insurance companies are having to pay out more than expected due to increased losses,” she told us.
But for homeowners, she explained the importance of having an insurance company to support them after a tragedy.
“This isn’t just about money. If your home goes missing or goes up in flames, you’re in big trouble. It’s not a good time for us to be making financial decisions.”
Morton also urged home and car owners who have paid off their mortgages and cars to continue purchasing insurance.
“Oh, the mortgage is paid off, which is great, but then the insurance lapses and then something happens and you’re responsible for everything.”
The agency reminds homeowners that just because you’re not in a high-risk area doesn’t mean you’re immune and to talk to your insurance agent.
Homeowners are advised to check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine if they are in a high or low flood risk area.
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