Storm Warning: Are You Covered?

Hingham was bruised and battered after our first big storm of the season. The Nor'easter brought 80mph winds, knocking down trees and power lines. Thousands were in the dark and, as day broke, the damage was laid bare. Homeowners all over Hingham are assessing their losses and filing insurance claims. Some are finding nasty surprises in their coverage. Rory Earley and her husband Chris thought their Hingham home was covered for flooding, but learned they didn't buy what their agent called "sump pump failure" insurance, a $35 increase to their policy that would likely have saved them thousands of dollars.

We sit down with Frank Doyle, vice president of insurance for AAA Northeast and Barbara Targum, managing partner at Dwight Rudd Insurance in Boston. They walk us through when and how often to review your plan, special considerations for coastal communities, their thoughts on finished basements and the experts map out who is responsible when your tree falls on your neighbor's house.

We also talk with Jeanne Foy, director of the consumer action center for the public interest group MassPirg. As tree services, roofers and contractors are in hot demand, she shares the red flags to look for if working with someone new. Pro tip: always take a photo of their license!

Helpful consumer info:

MA Office of Consumer Affairs: www.mass.gov/oca

MassPirg Consumer Action Center: (781)335-0280

The Mass Attorney General's Hotline: (617)727-8400