National Quotes has learned that Hurricane Sandy tore through the east coast Monday evening, leaving widespread damage in its wake. Homeowners have reported downed trees and property damage due to high winds and a record breaking storm surge.

According to Lori Zentz, an insurance agent at Nationwide, the office phones were ringing nonstop all day on Wednesday; and insurance agents spent every free moment assisting policyholders with filing claims. Zentz reported that the damage of the hurricane was so extensive that one of her policyholders filed a claim containing 3 outbuildings damaged by 3 separate fallen trees, a blocked driveway due to a fallen tree, and rain gutter damage.

Home insurance coverage does include wind damage to property caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather; but when it comes to fallen trees, insurance coverage could be limited. If the fallen tree is dead, then the property damage is not included under the home insurance coverage because the owner had a prior opportunity to cut the tree down. Uprooted live trees are covered under general home insurance policies.

Elizabeth Stelzer, spokeswoman for Nationwide, reported that just on Wednesday alone over 1,500 claims were filed in the state of Maryland; and Steve Boyer, an insurance agent of State Farm, explained that State Farm received over 70 phone calls from policyholders between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Insurance Information Institute recommends taking pictures and making a detailed inventory of the damaged property, which will help the claim investigation run smoothly and efficiently. Bob Carmack, president of Carmack Insurance Group, explains that property damage due to water seepage under doors and from the foundation is covered by most policies.

Policyholders should report any damages to their insurance agents and then try to stop any more property damage from occurring. Allstate Insurance’s spokesman, Adam Polak, stated, “But don’t try to do repairs if it is unsafe. Don’t go on the roof during a windstorm. We want our policyholders to be safe.”

NationalQuotes recommends for policyholders to review their home insurance policies to ensure coverage in case a natural disaster does occur; and if the policy does not, then policyholders should seek out proper home insurance coverage as soon as possible.