With hurricane season approaching, Virginia’s insurance commissioner is urging state residents to talk to their insurance agents and providers about coverage options, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Alfred W. Gross

In conjunction with National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 23-29), the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance (BOI) is urging consumers to consider their options before winds and rains arrive, noting “it will be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write related coverage until the storm threat passes,” in a statement.

Regulators also said that hurricanes and their resulting floods “can threaten lives and properties” in Virginia during hurricane season, marked from June 1 through Nov. 30.

“Take steps now to protect your family, home, and business in the event of a disaster. Prepare for the unexpected,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Alfred W. Gross in a statement. “Know what to do if a disaster strikes and make sure you have the insurance coverage you will need should one occur. If you do not already have flood insurance, determine your flood risk and act now to protect your home or business.”

The BOI advises residents to check with their insurance provider or agent to see if their homeowner’s policy contains a special deductible for wind or hurricane losses. Regulators said some companies automatically include a wind or hurricane deductible, while others offer it as an option, so consumers should check.

The agency also reminded residents that most of the damage from hurricanes comes from flooding, not high winds, and that even minor flooding can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses and belongings.

With homeowners’ policies in Virginia generally not including coverage for damage due to floods, surface water or storm surges, the BOI directed consumers to the NFIP, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program offers insurance for direct flood and flood-related damage to homeowners, renters and business owners in eligible communities.

The BOI also urged consumers to check with their insurer or agent regarding “write your own” policies for flood insurance, noting a 30-day waiting period before a new policy takes effect.