Storm season is here: Four ways to prepare

Severe weather season in the Midwest doesn't ease in slowly. This month alone, tornadoes touched down in multiple states and grapefruit-size hail was reported across eastern Iowa with several counties experiencing significant storm damage. Statistically, the worst is still ahead — May and June account for the highest share of Iowa's annual tornado and hail activity.

If your home and auto policies haven't been reviewed recently, now is a good time to take a closer look. Here are four things worth checking before the next system rolls through.

1. Your wind and hail deductible
   Many Iowa homeowners policies have shifted from a flat-dollar deductible to a percentage-based one for wind and hail losses. That distinction matters more than most people realize. On a $300,000 home, a 2% wind/hail deductible means $6,000 out of pocket before your coverage applies, regardless of how large the claim is. Check your declarations page to confirm which structure your policy uses and what the amount would be in a real loss scenario.
2. How your roof is covered
   Following several years of significant storm losses in Iowa, many carriers have updated how they handle roof claims. Some policies that previously paid replacement cost value have been adjusted to pay actual cash value, which factors in depreciation based on the roof's age. On a 15-year-old roof, that difference can be substantial. It's worth knowing which method applies to your policy before you need to file a claim.
3. Whether your Coverage A limit reflects today's costs
   The cost to rebuild a home has increased in recent years, driven by higher material and labor costs. If your Coverage A limit (the dwelling coverage on your homeowners policy) hasn't been updated since 2022 or 2023, it may no longer reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild your home today. An inflation-guard or extended-replacement-cost endorsement may be worth exploring.
4. Your home inventory
   If you ever need to file a claim for personal property, having a documented inventory can help support and speed up the process. A room-by-room video walk-through stored in cloud backup, along with receipts for major purchases, is a straightforward way to create that record. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free home inventory app that makes it easier to organize and store this information.

Storm season creates enough uncertainty on its own. Your coverage shouldn't add to it. If you have questions about any of the above or want a quick review of your current policy, reach out to us. We're always happy to take a look.