Why Reviewing Your Insurance Before Storm Season Matters

Spring in Indiana is a time of renewal: blooming flowers, warmer weather, and the return of green fields and gardens. But with the beauty of the season also comes a less welcome visitor: spring storms. From heavy rain and flash flooding to high winds and hail, springtime in Indiana brings some of the most unpredictable and damaging weather of the year. And while many homeowners trust that their insurance will protect them when disaster strikes, it’s not uncommon to discover coverage gaps only after the damage is done.

At Oakwood Mutual Insurance, we understand the unique risks Indiana homeowners face every spring. Our independent agents live and work in the same communities you do, and they’re here to make sure your coverage is built for real life—not just fine print. Now is the time to prepare, prevent, and protect.

Understanding Indiana’s Spring Storm Risks
Spring weather in Indiana is notoriously unpredictable. Some days start with sunshine and end in torrential downpours. Others bring rapid temperature changes that result in violent storms. Each year, Indiana averages around 20 tornadoes, dozens of severe hailstorms, and multiple episodes of flash flooding. According to the National Weather Service, March through June marks the peak of severe storm season in the state.

Common types of spring storm damage include:

• Wind damage to roofs, siding, and fences
• Hail damage to roofing, windows, and vehicles
• Flooding from heavy rainfall or rising creeks
• Lightning strikes, leading to fires or electrical damage
• Fallen trees damaging homes, garages, and other structures

Even smaller storms can leave homeowners dealing with major cleanup and costly repairs.

What Your Home Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover
Many homeowners assume that a standard home insurance policy covers all types of storm damage, but that’s not always the case. Here’s a quick breakdown of what is typically covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy:

Covered by Most Policies:

• Wind and hail damage to your home’s structure and roof
• Fallen trees (if they damage a covered structure)
• Lightning damage and resulting fires
• Damage to personal belongings inside the home due to a covered peril

Not Always Covered:

• Flooding from surface water or overflowing rivers (This requires a separate flood insurance policy)
• Sump pump backups unless you’ve added an endorsement
• Damage to outbuildings or detached structures if they exceed policy limits
• Debris removal over coverage limits
• Wear and tear or lack of maintenance issues that contributed to the damage

That’s why it’s so important to review your policy before storm season begins, not just to confirm what’s covered, but to ensure you have enough protection in place.

Tips to Prevent Wind and Water Damage

While you can’t stop a storm, you can take steps to reduce the damage it causes to your home. Preventative maintenance and smart planning go a long way in keeping your property safe and minimizing insurance claims.

Here are a few spring storm prep tips every Indiana homeowner should know:

Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Loose or missing shingles are an open invitation for water to seep into your attic during heavy rain. Have your roof inspected every spring, especially after a harsh winter, and repair any damage promptly.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Blocked gutters can cause water to back up under your roofline or pool around your foundation. Clean them out and make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your home.

Trim Trees and Remove Dead Limbs
Spring storms often bring strong wind gusts, which can snap branches or even topple entire trees. Remove dead limbs and keep large trees trimmed back from your home and power lines.

Check Doors, Windows, and Seals
Sealing up drafts isn’t just for winter. Properly caulked windows and weather-stripped doors help keep wind-driven rain from sneaking inside.

Install Surge Protectors and Backup Power
Lightning strikes and power surges can destroy electronics and appliances. Whole-home surge protectors offer the best protection, and backup generators help you stay safe if the power goes out for extended periods.

Review Your Sump Pump
If your home relies on a sump pump, make sure it’s working correctly and consider a battery backup in case the power goes out during a storm.

How Oakwood Mutual Agents Can Help You Prepare

One of the best steps you can take right now is connecting with an Oakwood Mutual agent for a policy review. Our agents are not just insurance experts—they’re local community members who understand the unique risks Indiana families face.

When you meet with an Oakwood Mutual agent, they’ll help you:

• Review your current coverage and identify any gaps (like flood or backup coverage)
• Make recommendations for policy add-ons or endorsements specific to spring risks
• Walk you through deductible options and explain how each one affects your premium
• Ensure your replacement cost coverage is updated to reflect current construction costs
• Bundle policies to increase your savings and simplify your coverage

It’s easy to put off reviewing your policy until disaster strikes—but the best time to prepare is before storm season begins. And with Oakwood’s local agents, you’ll never have to navigate the process alone.

Why Local Agents Matter During Storm Season
When a storm hits, you want to know help is close by. Oakwood Mutual partners with independent agents across Indiana who are available when you need them most. In the aftermath of a storm, they’ll help guide you through:

• Filing claims
• Understanding what’s covered
• Coordinating repairs or inspections
• Adjusting your coverage if needed

Plus, because our agents know your community, they can offer insight into common storm-related claims in your area and recommend policy features you may not have considered.