Dealing with Destruction in Andover, KS
As my family and I sat down to dinner in a local pizza place, a cacophony of phones began to blare warnings which was only eclipsed by the screaming sirens outside. The patrons of the busy restaurant crowded into the windowless bathrooms for protection. Small children were oblivious or terrified depending on their mother’s poker face as she wondered if the impending tornado would strike her home. Unfortunately, many of those mothers’ concerns were well-founded.
The EF3 tornado that struck Andover the evening of April 29, 2022 decimated homes, snapped great oaks in half, and ripped apart community buildings and schools. All in all, city official’s early estimates say that up to 100 structures received significant damage, not to mention to widespread pea to golf ball-sized hail that pounded the surrounding metropolis. Miraculously, no deaths were reported!
Picture taken near the Sedgwick and Butler County, Kansas line.
The devastation is shocking. Tornadoes are mystifying in their senseless path of chaos. It misses one neighbor entirely only to level the next cul-de-sac. The official Andover City page pleads with Good Samaritans to stay home and let first responders deal with the dangerous gas leaks and felled power lines. As our community sifts through the rubble, we find there are as many questions as answers. Where can we help? What can be done?
Andover, KS Tornado destruction April 29, 2022
For our part, as an independent insurance brokerage, we hope to be a resource for our clients and fellow neighbors during this difficult period. Here are a few common questions we have received during this catastrophe:
What if it isn’t safe to stay in my home?
For homes that are uninhabitable due to storm damage, most homeowners’ policies will provide for hotel stays. Be sure to hold onto receipts not only for the night’s stay but also for meals, toiletries, and prescriptions that had to be filled due to the displacement.
Do I need to file my claim today?
The short answer is no. Concentrate on staying safe and mitigating further damage. The claim can be filed later. Most carriers offer 1-2 years from the date of loss to complete repairs.
Should I file a claim to have my home checked for hail damage?
We would recommend that you start with an independent roofer first. A roofer (or two) can evaluate if you sustained damage. Once they have verified damage, call your agent to file the claim. We recommend this for one simple reason: if there is no damage and a claim is filed, it can result in a $0 payout claim which can raise your rates. It is important to try to only file claims that exceed your deductible amount.
Should I trust a roofer or contractor that stops by my home and offers to give a bid?
Buyer beware. Is this a local company? How long have they been in business? What is their rating on the Better Business Bureau? Do they have reviews online? Sometimes a referral from your local agent or neighbor goes a long way toward avoiding fly by night storm chasing “roofers” that disappear with your down payment.
My car has hail dents. What do I do?
Verify that you have comprehensive (or Other than Collision) coverage and inquire about your deductible with your agent. Assuming the damage exceeds your deductible, file the claim with your agent.
My business is damaged. I don’t think I can be open for business tomorrow!
Most business owner’s policies provide coverage for lost revenues due to closures that happen due to storm damage. Call your agent to see what is provided.
For my part, as I filed out of the restroom with the rest of the relieved customers at the pizza place, I was grateful. Grateful the building was still standing unharmed. Grateful for the cell phone in my hand that allowed me to immediately know that my other loved ones were safe. Grateful to know that my own house was still standing. My heart aches for those that weren’t as fortunate as I, and I will admit to a sour feeling of helplessness. I hope that this information will help at least one person. Call us if you need us. For those that are hurting, we will be here filing claims, answering questions, and praying for you.