Winds are hollowing across Western and Central New York today. Drivers should use caution on the roads as many intersections are without power, so traffic signals are out or damaged from high winds. Many homeowners will spend the weekend assessing damage from the storms. AAA Western and Central New York is reminding its insurance customers that AAA is here to help.
 
After such a storm, the first order of business is to protect yourself and your family. The second is to call your insurance company. Many people may be wondering if damage to their home or their car is covered under their current policies. AAA has insurance representatives for all members who need assistance.  Here is some basic advice to consider:
 

• Wind Damage - Wind damage to your home, its roof, and other insured buildings on your property, such as stand-along garage, would fall under your standard homeowners policy. Claims for cars damaged by wind would fall under the comprehensive portion of your auto policy. 
• Falling Trees - Trees crashing down onto the roof of your home, another insured building on your property, or a fence can cause damage that may be covered. If the tree was known to be weak before the storm, the damage may not be covered. Removal of the tree may also be covered up to a certain amount, provided it hits a structure or blocks a driveway. It may not be covered if it just falls on the ground. The comprehensive portion of your auto policy could cover cars damaged by fallen trees or branches. 
• Food Spoilage - If a power outage caused the contents of your refrigerator of freezer to spoil, it may be covered by your homeowners policy. 
• Living Expenses - If your home is damaged so severely that you're forced to live elsewhere, your homeowners policy may cover reasonable expenses while it is being repaired.
• Flooding - Heavy rains can bring flooding, which is not covered by most homeowner policies. Homes damaged by flood may be covered by a separate, optional flood insurance policy, typically provided by the National Flood Insurance Program. 

 
AAA Western and Central New York insurance customers who have suffered damage to their homes or vehicles can begin filing claims immediately. Damage should be documented if customers can do so safely. If there is roof damage, let a roofing professional or claims representative photograph it. Cover any broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood to prevent further damage and save receipts to be submitted for reimbursement along with the claim.

For those who don’t have damage, this serves as a reminder to review policies and discuss individual situations with insurance agents to make sure the right coverage in in place in the future. It’s a new year resolution that many people have been putting off for months!
 
AAA Western and Central New York offers several types of insurance including home, auto, life, renters, commercial, pet, and Medicare. By providing insurance from a variety of carriers, AAA can find the most competitive prices for consumers.