Does Your Insurance Cover a Dust Storm in Colorado?

In the 1930s, Colorado was one of many states affected by the Dust Bowl. Fortunately, a dust storm in Colorado isn’t the most prominent threat these days, but they still exist. Furthermore, wind damage of varying types is still a very real peril to your home and personal property.

While you’re more likely to find dust storms in Colorado popping up in the southwest portion of the state, that doesn’t mean the occasional threat doesn’t persist elsewhere. This includes the eastern portion of Colorado, which shares a border with Kansas.

Below, we’re not just exploring the risk of “haboobs,” but wind damage as a whole and the threat it plays in the Centennial State. We’ll also break down how to affordably protect yourself against these perils.

 

Colorado Dust Storm Risks Identified

Experiencing a dust storm in Colorado can occur no matter where you are. While the eastern plains and drier southwest regions are more prone, even the Front Range can be affected from time to time. Evidenced by the occasional Denver dust storm.

Dust storms in Colorado often result from powerful winds lifting large amounts of sand and dust from bare, dry soils into the atmosphere in arid and semi-arid regions. Thunderstorms and strong pressure gradients associated with cyclones can trigger these storms by increasing wind speed over a wide area, transporting particles across vast distances.

In many cases, this can simply be a dirty inconvenience and quite humbling, especially the first time, However, there are significant risks that can affect you and your personal property. There are definitely negative health effects, but we’ll leave that to the doctors. Here are the risks that can affect your property and safety:

• If you are out driving, a haboob in Colorado can present obvious hazards while operating. You are at great risk of causing or being involved in a car accident due to poor visibility. The best thing you can do is avoid the area, pull over when affected to the side of the road, put on your emergency brakes, and have your emergency flashers on as well.
• Even if you can find a safe place to park and set yourself up in the safest way possible, someone can still fail to do so and cause an accident. Furthermore, the damage that comes from Colorado dust storms can still cause significant damage to your vehicle and possibly even cause bodily harm.
• Being inside your home can be helpful for protection, especially when you can avoid windows and have a home that is well-sealed. Fully exposing yourself to the dust can cause health concerns but you’ll also be exposing yourself to high winds and debris flying around.
• Additionally, the other structures on your property are also at risk. Especially when there are things that are not secure outside that can be flung around in the gusts that accompany the storm.

 

Other Types of Wind Damage Colorado Residents May Face

Dealing with Colorado haboob is more likely in the summer months. The air is dry, windstorms are passing through the Centennial State, and the condition is perfect for conducting these weather events. But such weather conditions are also great for other forms of wind peril.

Severe thunderstorms and windstorms, such as tornadoes, are also prevalent during the warmer months. Colorado may escape the wrath of tropical storms but it is one of the most affected states in the country when it comes to tornadoes.

Though not wind damage, there are several other weather-related perils that also come with the territory. This includes significant hail damage risk that can damage homes, vehicles, and personal property in tremendous ways.

The winter doesn’t mean that wind damage takes a break either. You can find winter storms reaching more than 100 mph in more extreme cases, but either way, the risk still poses a significant risk from related damage.

Even when you do all that you can to stay protected, losses may still occur. Fortunately, with the right coverage, you can. Having home and auto coverage is important, but it’s not enough to simply enroll in the bare minimum. You’ll need to find personalized coverage if you want to save on your premiums.

 

How To Save Money and Protect Your Property From a Dust Storm in Colorado

The good news is that if you are facing potential damage from Colorado dust storms, your home is going to protect you in most cases. This is because a standard home insurance policy (HO3 policy) protects against wind damage. As for the cleaning bill, well, you’ll have to face that on your own.

However, it’s comforting to know that your home and garages are protected. Still, home insurance in Colorado can vary from home to home, and double-checking your coverage is always advised.

If you have something of particular value within your home at risk of being damaged after being exposed to dust, such as a collectible, you may also need an endorsement to protect your property.

But when it comes to vehicles, things get a bit more tricky. The same is true not only for cars, trucks, and SUVs but also RVs and boats. It’s not enough to have a liability policy. You’re also going to need comprehensive coverage.

A comprehensive policy is going to protect your vehicle from weather-related events. This means damage from wind, sand, rocks, etc. However, having liability and collision coverage is still important, because after an accident, you’ll be able to safeguard your finances regardless of fault. When it comes to your automobile, you can combine these policies for what is known as full coverage auto insurance.

You can enroll in coverage but to be sure you’re getting the lowest rate and the protection you need, it’s important to shop around. At Freedom Insurance Group, we help residents throughout the Centennial State compare coverages and find the lowest possible rate.

From protecting against dust storms in Colorado to hail, tornadoes, and much, much more, we’re here to help. Call us today or get an auto insurance quote or home insurance quote online today.