Tips To Make Sure You Are Covered When A Tornado Strikes

By Jon Jordan

Many Oklahomans may not get as much help from homeowners insurance as they might expect. In a News9 Consumer alert, there are some things all property owners should check.

For example in the wake of the deadly tornadoes in the South, the United States may have some of the most sophisticated weather equipment like our Doppler radars, but as no advanced warning is going to stop a tornado from ripping apart homes. Here's why you may want to check with your insurance company.

While most homeowners insurance policies cover tornado damage, according to studies most homes are under-valued. The more your home is worth the more money you are going to get out of your insurance company.

So, with more homes valued at less than they are actually worth, one insurance company says "people will NOT have enough money to rebuild their homes."

All this is important because when it comes to insured losses, tornadoes and thunderstorms are ranked number one.

Renters can also find themselves out money if their loss is caused by a tornado. That's because less than half of renters have insurance and even during disasters where federal assistance is offered, aid is often capped at $30,000.