nobody said this wasn't the case, hombre.
What I'm disputing is the belief that "Hey, maybe a hurricane is GOOD for the economy!"
I contend that it's not - it's all federal tax dollars being used to put ppl to work, and massive losses to productivity and infrastructure cost in the billions.
Not all the damage repair costs will impact federal dollars.
While a lot of the damage done by Irene may be covered by one's insurance, apparently not flood damage unless one specifically has a rider for flood coverage. Where I live, this is true for earthquake damage. Therefore I choose to purchase additional insurance for any damages to my home because of an earthquake.
Q. Does insurance cover the loss of food in refrigerators/freezers due to extended power outages?
A. Yes, if the outage is storm-related, Ms. Worters said. Most homeowner policies include a set amount for food spoilage — typically, $250 to $500 per appliance. So if you have a refrigerator in your kitchen, and a deep freezer in your garage for stockpiling meat, you’d have $500 to $1,000 of coverage.
Homeowners and renters insurance will usually cover damage from high winds. But damage from rising and rushing water -- as seen in Irene-ravaged communities across upstate New York and New England -- is generally covered only by flood insurance.
Downed trees. If a tree blew over and hit your house, your insurance will cover the cost of removing it and repairing the damage, Rusbuldt says. However, if the tree missed your house, most insurers won't cover the cost of removing it, even if it landed on your driveway, he says.
•Damages to vehicles. Damage to your car from fallen trees or flooding is covered by your auto insurance, as long as you have comprehensive coverage, Rusbuldt says.
•Living expenses. Most policies will cover temporary living expenses if your home was made uninhabitable. Some policies also cover the costs of a mandatory evacuation. State Farm, for example, will cover evacuation costs if your home or nearby homes were damaged, says Dick Luedke, spokesman for State Farm Insurance.
•Inedible food. Most policies cover the cost of replacing food that spoiled because of a hurricane-related power outage but limit coverage to $250 to $500, the Insurance Information Institute says.
VIDEO: Storm season means homeowners need to take a close look at their policies.
Tips for homeowners who need to file a claim:
•Make temporary repairs, such as putting a tarp over a hole in your roof, to prevent additional damage. Keep receipts.
•File your claim as soon as possible. Insurance companies generally handle claims on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the CFA.
•Take photos or video of the damage.
