Mississippi is on the top ten list for US states where hurricanes hit and severe storms are the most common disaster reported on home insurance claims. To make sure your home and property are protected, you need storm insurance.

Storm insurance is unique in that it's included in your homeowners insurance, but there are still important details that a Mississippi independent insurance agent can help you understand. Here's why storm insurance is so important. 

What Is Mississippi Storm Insurance?

Storm insurance is a coverage that is part of your homeowners policy. It helps pay for repair or replacement of your property and belongings if they're damaged by a storm. When we think of storms, we most often think of rain, but insurance typically considers storms to be any type of weather event that results in high and violent winds, rain, hail, or snow. All of these can result from tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, thunderstorms, and other similar events. 

What Does Storm Insurance Cover in Mississippi? 

Insurance policies may outline what is considered a storm, but typically homeowners insurance covers the following types of storm damage:

Your Mississippi independent agent can help you understand what your insurance classifies as a "storm" in order to determine if you need additional coverage. 

Important storm stats for Mississippi

What Doesn't Storm Insurance Cover in Mississippi? 

Storm insurance will include the same exclusions as a typical homeowners policy. It's important to understand these exclusions because two, in particular, are very likely to result in storm damage. 

• Flood damage: Your homeowners policy and included storm insurance coverage will not cover any damage from flooding. Flood insurance must be purchased separately from a homeowners policy. 
• Earthquake damage: Similar to flood damage, earthquakes are also not covered under a standard homeowners policy. An independent agent can help you find these types of insurance if they need to be added to your policy.

While storm insurance does include the removal of trees, insurance expert Jeffrey Green says it's important to understand the guidelines in your policy. "Some policies will cover tree removal from any area covered by the policy, others will only cover removal from specific areas," said Green.

US states with the highest number of flood insurance claims in 2016

Mississippi had the ninth highest number of flood insurance claims in 2016 in the United States.

How Much Is Storm Insurance in Mississippi?

The standard homeowners premium in Mississippi costs $1,537 annually. The state ranks seventh in most expensive average home insurance costs. Even though it's a more costly state for homeowners insurance, many factors go into premium calculations. These includes:

• Age of your home
• Structure of your home
• Value of your belongings
• Location and risk of storm damage
• Proximity to a fire station
• Your credit and claim history

There are several additional factors that carriers will consider, which is why it's important to work with your Mississippi independent insurance agent to shop around for insurance quotes.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Storm Damage in Mississippi? 

If you're renting a home or apartment, renters insurance may help pay for damage that you experience from a storm. In particular, renters insurance can help pay to repair or replace damage to your personal belongings under your personal property coverage.

Renters insurance can also assist in paying for temporary relocation if you're displaced from your rental, debris removal, power interruptions, temporary repairs, and emergency removal of your items in order to avoid storm damage. 

When you purchase renters insurance you'll have the option to choose actual cash value or replacement value.

• Actual cash value: Provides reimbursement for the depreciated value of the item before it was damaged. 
• Replacement value: Reimburses at the amount it would cost to replace the item or purchase a similar item today.

It's personal preference whether you want to choose actual cash value or  replacement value for your items, but it's something to think through before purchasing renters insurance.

Does Car Insurance Cover Storm Damage in Mississippi?

It's great knowing that your home and personal belongings are protected from storm damage by your homeowners policy, but what happens if your vehicle is parked in the driveway and a tree falls on it, or it's swept up in a tornado? Does it fall under your homeowners or auto insurance policy? If you've purchased Mississippi comprehensive insurance coverage, then any damage your vehicle sustains from wind, hail, lightning, or something similar would be covered. 

The caveat is that comprehensive insurance is not required or part of a standard car insurance policy. You must opt to purchase it separately. Unless your vehicle is not worth much or you can afford to pay out of pocket for damage, comprehensive insurance comes highly recommended. It is designed to cover any damage your vehicle sustains from events other than a collision.

How Can a Mississippi Insurance Agent Help You?

Storm insurance might be included in a standard home policy, but the details of the coverage can be blurry. A Mississippi independent insurance agent is an expert in home insurance and the risks that Mississippi homeowners face. They'll review your policy and advise if you need to get additional coverage or increase your coverage amount. 

They're also pros at finding the best storm insurance rates available. They'll shop multiple carriers and pull a variety of quotes so you can determine what will best for your needs and best protect your property.