North Carolina suffers from earthquake, hurricane over one-week period
Commissioner Mike Causey urges consumers to contact their insurance agents
over insurance coverage
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, noting that
the state has suffered from both an earthquake and a Category 1 hurricane within the past week, urges the state’s consumers
to check with their insurance agent to review their policies and make sure they are covered from the effects of natural disasters.
“Damage from earthquakes are generally not covered under most standard homeowners’ insurance policies,”
Commissioner Causey noted. “However, homeowners can talk with their agents and easily add an earthquake endorsement
to their policies. I also encourage consumers to get replacement coverage on both their homeowners’ and automobile insurance
policies.”
Commissioner Causey also urged North Carolinians to talk to their agents
about getting flood insurance coverage policies through the National Flood Insurance Program. Damage from floods is also not
covered under standard homeowners’ policies.
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake, centered
in Sparta, was felt across North Carolina Sunday morning. It’s the strongest earthquake to hit North Carolina since
1916.
Last week, Hurricane Isaias made landfall in southeastern North Carolina, causing
loss of life and property destruction in portions of the eastern part of the state.
For
most families, their home is their biggest investment. Commissioner Causey urges homeowners to protect their investment by
making sure they have sufficient insurance coverage, and to make sure they review their coverage with their insurance agent
at least annually.
Commissioner Causey plans to visit Alleghany County on Monday, meeting
with local officials, insurance agents and first responders. He also plans to observe some of the damage caused by the earthquake.
He will start the visit at New River Insurance Agency, 451 N. Main St., Sparta, N.C. 28615 at 11 a.m
