SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.COM) – High winds have the potential to cause massive damages, from homes to vehicles and everything in between. When our things are damaged, especially valuable possessions like homes and vehicles, they need to be replaced. Enter insurance. That “better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it” part of every adult’s life. So, it there such a thing as tornado insurance and how does it all work? Fortunately for us, Business Insider.com has the inside track. Here’s a bit of what they have to say.
Tornado insurance refers to the coverage necessary to insure against damage caused by tornadoes. Tornadoes typically cause damage through winds and hail, though water damage can occur as well. Damage to your home from wind and hail is usually covered under your homeowners insurance as an insurance peril. A peril is an event that may damage your home or belongings, like theft, fire, or a storm. The type of peril coverage you have depends on the type of homeowners insurance you purchased. Common insurance perils include fire, lightning, theft, ice, snow, sleet, wind, hail, smoke, vandalism, and freezing.
If you live in “tornado alley,” you may need additional coverage for damage due to high winds. According to the National Center for Environmental Information, tornado alley refers to “an area in the southern plains — the region from central Texas, northward to northern Iowa, and from central Kansas and Nebraska east to western Ohio — that consistently experiences a high frequency of tornadoes each year.” The real question is, does South Dakota belong to Tornado Alley? Again, the answer is maybe. That’s because the definition is broad and not well defined. Your insurance agent should know more.
