Preparing for Spring Storm Season

March 20, 2026

Share this article

Preparing for Spring Storm Season:

A Quick Insurance Check

As spring arrives, the saying "April showers bring May flowers" welcomes the seasonal changes ahead. However, these April rains can quickly turn into severe thunderstorms, especially during the peak of storm season. In addition to grabbing your umbrella, reviewing your insurance coverage can help you stay safe during unpredictable weather. By planning and reviewing your insurance, you can be better prepared for the challenges that severe weather may bring. Read more to learn how you can protect what matters most during storm season.

As April marks the start of storm season, reviewing your insurance coverage now helps homeowners and business owners understand their policies better and avoid surprises if damage occurs. Rising temperatures cause humid air from the Gulf of Mexico to meet cooler, drier air from Canada, leading to intense thunderstorms. In Kentucky and Ohio, these storms can bring strong winds, hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Many people only realize what their insurance covers after damage happens. At Desmond Insurance, proactive review is one of the best ways to protect what matters most.


Important Areas to Review Before Storm Season:


Wind and Hail Deductibles

Many policies have separate deductibles for wind or hail damage. Understanding how this works beforehand can help you feel more in control and lessen worry about potential surprises during a claim. Sometimes, this deductible might be higher than the standard one and is calculated as a percentage of the home's insured value. Understanding how this works in advance helps eliminate surprises during a claim.


Water Backup Coverage

Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to back up through sump pumps or drains. Standard homeowners' policies often do not automatically include this protection.

Water backup coverage can help protect against damage from heavy rain and overwhelmed drainage systems. Reviewing this coverage before the rainy season starts can give you peace of mind that you're prepared for unexpected water problems, even if your standard policy doesn't automatically include this protection.


Roof Condition and Maintenance

Insurance policies expect homeowners to maintain their property. Missing shingles, aging roofs, or tree limbs hanging over the house can increase the risk of damage during storms.

Routine maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of larger problems.


Documenting

Documenting your home and belongings now can make the claims process smoother if a loss occurs. A quick video walkthrough saved to your phone can be extremely helpful, ensuring you have detailed records before severe weather hits.


Before Storm Preparedness Checklist


Before storm season arrives, consider taking a few simple steps:

✔ Trim overhanging tree branches

✔ Secure outdoor furniture and loose yard items

✔ Clean gutters and downspouts

✔ Test sump pumps and drainage systems

✔ Take photos or videos of each room in your home


These small actions can help reduce risk and make recovery easier if severe weather occurs.


We Are Here When You Need Us


As spring approaches, it's essential to prepare adequately for the challenges severe thunderstorms can bring. Reviewing your insurance coverage now can ensure you're ready for unexpected weather events, whether you're a homeowner or a business owner. Taking proactive steps to safeguard your valuable possessions will provide peace of mind during storms. Don't delay—act now to protect what matters most. Preparation today helps protect what matters most tomorrow, and we will still be here — when you need us the most.

Recent Posts

May 1, 2026
Most people know their home and auto insurance help protect them if something goes wrong. These policies include liability coverage if someone is injured or property is damaged. What many families don’t realize is that in a serious accident, those limits can be reached quickly. An umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability protection above your home, auto, and other policies. It helps protect your savings, home, and even your future income if a claim exceeds your standard coverage. Today, large claims are more common than expected. A single incident can involve multiple vehicles, injuries, or legal costs that add up fast. Situations that can lead to major claims include multi-car accidents, injuries on your property, boating or recreational accidents, rental property issues, and certain personal liability claims. Even careful people can find themselves facing significant financial exposure. One client reached out after hearing about a local accident where a driver, briefly blinded by the sun, caused a multi-vehicle crash with serious injuries. Situations like this can quickly exceed standard auto policy limits, which is one reason many families choose to add umbrella coverage before the unexpected happens. You don’t need to be wealthy to benefit. Lawsuits can involve future earnings as well as current assets, making this coverage important even while you’re still building your financial future. It may be time to review your protection if you have teen drivers, rental property, a pool or trampoline, recreational vehicles, a side business, or growing assets. Umbrella insurance works alongside your existing policies and typically kicks in once the underlying liability limits are exhausted. Minimum limits are required to qualify. Understanding how your coverage works together can make all the difference. At Desmond Insurance, we’re here to help you decide if umbrella coverage is right for you. A quick coverage review today can help avoid surprises later. Let’s take a look together and make sure your protection keeps pace with your life. 
February 28, 2026
Planting Seeds for Tomorrow: Life Insurance for Children & Long-Term Security
January 26, 2026
Shannon Desmond Walz, Vice President of Desmond Insurance, has been named to the Board of Directors of Big I Kentucky, the state association representing independent insurance agencies across the Commonwealth.  Big I Kentucky supports its members through legislative advocacy, education, professional development, and industry resources that strengthen independent agencies and the clients they serve
January 23, 2026
Winter Weather Is Here! Simple Steps to Protect Your Home, Your Drive, and Your Business
Show More

Contact Us

Still here — when you need us the most.