Our state
averages 46 tornadoes per year – and that doesn't even account for the hailstorms, straight-line winds, and flash flooding that tear through communities every single summer. These aren't slow-moving threats. They develop fast, and they don't care whether you're ready or not.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what Minnesota families should do before, during, and after a major storm, including the insurance details that can make a big difference when it's time to file a claim.
Before the Storm: What to Do Now, Not Later
The single biggest mistake families make with severe weather is treating preparation like something to deal with when a storm is already in the forecast. By that point, you're already behind. A little planning on a calm Tuesday afternoon goes a long way when a tornado watch drops at 4:00 p.m. on a Friday.
(Trust me on this one –
I’ve been there!)
Start by creating a household emergency plan that identifies the safest spot in your home. It’s typically an interior room or basement away from windows for tornadoes and straight-line winds, and higher ground or upper floors for flash flooding. Make sure every person in your household, including kids, knows exactly where to go and what to do.
How will you get your pets to safety? Practice or plan for that, too!
Next, gather a basic emergency kit stocked with flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, and
copies of important documents.
You also should review your homeowners insurance policy before you ever need to file a claim. Understanding what's covered and what isn't means
no painful surprises after the damage is done.
Minnesota's insurance landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, and policies aren't always as straightforward as homeowners expect.
Get Your Vehicles Off the Street
Don’t be caught off guard by how much damage a hail storm can do to a vehicle and how quickly those repair costs add up. In fact,
hail and falling debris are consistently among the most common and costly storm-related insurance claims.
The simplest thing you can do is get your vehicles into a garage or covered structure before the storm arrives. It sounds obvious, but it's one of those things that's easy to skip when you're busy.
If you don't have access to a covered garage, look into community parking structures nearby, or keep a heavy-duty car cover on hand. While a car cover won't eliminate hail damage entirely, it can reduce the impact.
When it comes to your insurance, you need comprehensive
auto coverage, not collision, if you want hair and storm damage protection. If you're not sure whether you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, now is a great time to check. A quick call to your agent before storm season beats a very unpleasant surprise after one.
After the Storm: Document Before You Dial
Once the storm passes and it's safe to go outside, the instinct for most people is to immediately start cleaning up or calling their insurance agent. Pump the brakes on both of those for just a moment. The most important thing you can do in those first hours after a storm is
document everything before anything is moved, repaired, or thrown away.
Walk your entire property and take photos and video of every bit of damage you can find. That means the roof, siding, windows, fencing, vehicles, landscaping, and anything else that took a hit. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your claim. If you can, note the date and time on your footage, and back it up somewhere safe like cloud storage immediately.
After you've documented, secure your property to prevent any further damage. That might mean tarping a damaged roof section, boarding up a broken window, or clearing debris that could cause additional issues. Keep every single receipt for any emergency repairs or materials you purchase. Your insurance company will want to see that paper trail!
Once all of that is handled, you call your agent. Going into
that conversation with photos, video, and receipts already in hand puts you in a much better position and helps move the claims process along faster.
Understanding Your Coverage Before You Need It
A standard homeowners policy covers a lot after a storm but it doesn't cover everything, and the details matter more than most people realize.
Minnesota's insurance market has changed significantly, and many homeowners are surprised to discover that their policy pays out based on Actual Cash Value rather than full replacement cost, particularly for roofs. That means higher out-of-pocket expenses than you might expect when a claim rolls around.
On the auto side, comprehensive coverage is what protects your vehicle from hail, falling debris, and flood damage. If you're only carrying liability or collision, storm damage to your car isn't covered.
It's also worth knowing that flood damage to your home typically requires a
separate flood insurance policy. Standard homeowners coverage doesn't include it.
The biggest takeaway here: The best way to make sure none of this catches you off guard is to call or sit down with your agent for an annual policy review. If you are unclear on any of the details,
ask questions!
We are always happy to answer any questions you might have!
Get Protected with Rehm Insurance
I love living in Minnesota, but you know as well as I do that storm season here is no joke! If you're not sure what your current policy covers,
reach out to my team. We'd love to walk you through it, because the best time to understand your coverage is
always before you need it.
