Severe weather can be frightening and cause significant damage. In the days that follow, it’s natural to have questions about your home or auto insurance coverage and what to do next. Your local independent agent is one of your best resources for clear, personalized guidance, and we are here for you as well—ready to help you understand your options and support you through the recovery process.
Safety and Family First
If you have been impacted by recent severe weather, your safety is our highest priority. Always put the immediate care and well-being of your family and neighbors before any home insurance claim. Use extreme caution around damaged structures, fallen trees, and downed power lines, and contact local emergency officials and your utility company right away if you see any hazards. Never drive over downed power lines or through flooded roads, and avoid all contact with floodwater.
If your property has been damaged, it is understandable to wonder what to do first and what your home insurance may cover. Remember that every policy is different, with its own coverage, limits, and deductibles. Your local independent agent is your best source for clear, specific guidance about weather-related damage based on your individual coverage.
Beware of scammers
Do not let an offer that seems “too good to be true” end up costing you. After major storms, scammers and others looking to commit insurance fraud often go door to door in hard‑hit neighborhoods, offering debris removal or emergency roof tarping and asking for cash upfront. Too often, once they are paid, they do not return. Protect yourself by insisting on a written agreement that clearly outlines the work to be done, and wait to discuss and make payment until the services have been properly completed.
First steps to take after property damage
We are here to help! When severe weather affects Virginia, we want you to know that we are here for you—day and night—supporting our members from the first report of damage through the final resolution of the claim. In larger events, we may be managing a high volume of claims, but our commitment to helping you through the process does not change.
When to call your local agent
Call your local independent agent if you have questions about your coverage or need guidance on whether to file a claim. As licensed insurance professionals, they are your most reliable source for clear, personalized advice.
How to file a Northern Neck Home Insurance claim
You matter to us, and we will make every effort to handle each claim as promptly as possible. We appreciate your patience during this time. You can report a claim online or by phone, but filing online through your member account is the most efficient option. It helps you avoid potential hold times on our 24/7 claims hotline and allows you to upload important photos and documents with your claim. You can also go back and add additional information later if needed.
- Online through your Member Account—— using your NNINS online member account is the most convenient and efficient way to report a claim.
- Call the Northern Neck Insurance 24/7 Claims Hotline at 877-968-7252
Steps to take if you have damage to your home or property
When responding to property damage after severe weather, make safety your top priority. Visit our claims center for more information.
- If you suspect any electrical systems have been damaged, flooding is an issue, or during extended power outages, shut off your home's main power. Have an electrician check the house after repairs before turning the power back on.
- If you have any property damage that includes your home's plumbing, shut off your main water supply to avoid further damage.
- Take wide and close-up photos and videos before making minimal temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
- Report your insurance claim.
- Document interactions and save emails.
- Document damage to your property using a home inventory. (opens in a new window)
- If your home is unlivable, find safe shelter with a friend, family member, or hotel.
- Hold off on major repairs until they are approved by your claims adjuster.
- We recommend hiring repair reputable certified and Virginia-licensed home contractors. (opens in a new window)
- Ask for a detailed invoice from your contractor distinguishing labor charges and materials.
- Use a credit card or check for any payments you make.
- Keep all receipts for lodging, food, clothing, gas, and other necessities.
- Discuss specific claim questions with your agent and claims adjuster.
- Stay in contact with your adjuster and keep up with requested documentation, deadlines, and any other requirements.
- If your car is flooded, take pictures, and report your comprehensive car insurance claim.
Severe Weather Claim FAQs
Will my auto insurance policy cover damage to my car if a tree falls on it?
Most severe weather damages to your car are covered if you purchased comprehensive coverage after you have paid your deductible.
Does a homeowners policy cover flood damage?
Standard home insurance does not include flood coverage. However, if you have secondary water damage to your home due to a tree down on your house or roof damage, it may be covered. Speak to your independent agent to see what your policy covers.
I had to go to a hotel. Is the cost covered by my home insurance?
Yes, the cost of a hotel room can be covered by your home insurance if your home has been damaged by severe weather and is unlivable. There is usually no coverage for additional living expenses if the only issue is a power outage but exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for vulnerable customers. Keep your receipt pending confirmation the home is uninhabitable by your claims adjuster as additional living expense coverage and you will be reimbursed.
I just went grocery shopping and I lost power. All my cold food is spoiled. Is my grocery bill covered?
Yes, if you have our homeowners enhancement endorsement for food loss and refrigerated property. This provides refrigerated property coverage (including food and medications) regardless of the cause of power loss. Take a picture of your refrigerator with the door open before you dispose of the spoiled food and hang on to your grocery receipt for replacement supplies.
What if my neighbor’s tree fell on my house, or my tree fell on my neighbor's property? Whose insurance pays for damages?
The short answer is- it's complicated. Both you and your neighbor should report the damage to respective insurance companies and allow the adjuster to review the claim. After you take pictures, you can remove the tree or have it removed to prevent additional damage. Be sure to get an itemized receipt on the vendor’s letterhead for reimbursement consideration. If the tree removal professional estimates more than $2500 for tree removal, please wait for your claim adjuster's approval.
My home is not livable. What should I do?
Stay safe! Call local officials and utility professionals. Report your claim online or call our 24/7 Claims Hotline: 1-877-968-7252. You may notify your local agent. Once it is safe to do so, take steps to secure your home—such as boarding up broken windows or placing a tarp over damaged areas of the roof—to help prevent additional damage. Take photos and videos of all damage if you are able. Stay in close contact with your agent and claims adjuster for specific guidance. Keep all receipts for temporary housing, fuel, food, clothing, and other essentials, and begin creating an inventory of damaged personal property. Do not throw away any damaged items until your claims adjuster instructs you to do so, and be sure to save all receipts and invoices.
If you experience property damage that is covered by your NNINS policy, rest assured we'll help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Want to learn more about coverage options? Learn more about homeowners insurance in Virginia and how we can help you. We also have more blog posts about how to prepare for severe weather and how to prevent damage to protect yourself and your family.
Learn more about homeowners insurance in Virginia >
Sources:
https://nicb.org/
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
