Hurricanes

Since 1930, Carteret County has experienced nearly 100 tropical storms or Hurricanes. That is nearly 1 per year! Wind claims make up the largest percentage of homeowners claims at nearly 35%!

Hurricane Season runs from June1st through November 30th

Lightning

Lightning property damage claims nearly eclipsed $1.5 billion in 2023!

Hail

Hail damage claims eclipsed 25,000 in 2019 alone!

Water Leaks

Nearly 20% of all Homeowners claims involve leaking water. The average payout per claim is almost $12,000!

Fire

Fire & smoke damage claims are the most devastating. The national average payout for a fire claim in the US is just shy of $78,000!

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Tornado/Waterspout

Tornadoes and waterspouts are both powerful rotating columns of air, but they have key differences:

Tornadoes:

Formation: Form over land, typically within severe thunderstorms.
Intensity: Can be extremely violent, with winds reaching hundreds of miles per hour.
Destruction: Capable of causing widespread damage to buildings, trees, and vehicles.
Waterspouts:

Formation: Form over water, often in coastal areas.
Intensity: Generally weaker than tornadoes, but can still cause significant damage to boats and coastal structures.
Types:
Fair Weather Waterspouts: Form in relatively calm weather conditions.
Tornadic Waterspouts: More intense and associated with severe thunderstorms.
Key Similarities:

Rotating Air Column: Both are characterized by a rapidly rotating column of air.
Destructive Force: Both can cause significant damage and pose a threat to human life.
In Summary:

Tornadoes and waterspouts are both meteorological phenomena involving rotating air.

While they share similarities, their primary distinction lies in their location of formation: tornadoes on land and waterspouts over water.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Flooding

Floods occur when water overflows its normal boundaries and submerges land that is usually dry. Here are some of the primary ways floods are created:

Heavy Rainfall:

Prolonged Rain:
When heavy rainfall occurs over an extended period, the ground becomes saturated, and water cannot be absorbed quickly enough. This excess water then flows into rivers and streams, causing them to overflow their banks.

Intense Rainfall: Sudden, heavy downpours, especially in areas with poor drainage, can quickly overwhelm the ground and lead to flash floods.

Rapid Snowmelt:
In mountainous regions, rapid snowmelt during spring can cause a sudden increase in water flow in rivers and streams, leading to flooding.

Coastal Flooding:
Storm Surge: Strong winds associated with hurricanes and other storms can push large amounts of seawater onto the coast, causing coastal flooding.

Tsunamis: These powerful waves generated by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions can cause devastating coastal flooding.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Homeowners insurance generally covers damage to your home caused by fallen trees, but there are some important nuances: Coverage for Damage to Your Home: If a tree falls on your house, your homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of repairing the damage to your home's structure. This includes damage to the roof, walls, windows, and other parts of the house. Coverage for Fallen Trees: Damage to Your Home: If the tree falls on your house, your insurance may cover the cost of removing the tree. No Damage to Your Home: If the tree falls on your property but does not damage your home, your homeowners insurance generally does not cover the cost of removing it. Exceptions: Some policies may have limited coverage for tree removal if it blocks access to your home (e.g., driveway, walkway). Important Considerations: Policy Details: The specific coverage for fallen trees can vary depending on your insurance policy. Review your policy carefully to understand your coverage limits and any exclusions. Neighboring Trees: If a tree on your neighbor's property falls on your house, you would typically file a claim with your own homeowners insurance. However, if you are found to be negligent in maintaining your own trees, your neighbor's insurance may be responsible. Natural Disasters: If the tree fell due to a covered peril, such as a strong windstorm or hurricane, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage. Recommendations: Review Your Policy: Carefully review your homeowners insurance policy to understand your coverage for fallen trees. Tree Maintenance: Regularly inspect trees on your property for signs of decay or disease. Contact Your Insurance Agent: If a tree falls on your property, contact your insurance agent immediately to report the damage and begin the claims process. Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional insurance advice. Always consult with your insurance agent for specific coverage details and guidance related to your individual situation.

Coastal North Carolina may be more susceptible to catastrophic weather events due to unique environmental factors. To ensure the safety of your investment, it is important to take necessary precautions with the best insurance policies available. Being prepared can help minimize the potential financial impact of such events.