Maryland Insurance Administration

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 Insurance Preparedness for Natural Disasters

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Are you Prepared?

The Maryland Insurance Administration encourages residents to be prepared for natural disasters by reviewing and understanding their insurance coverage and by considering the purchase of flood insurance​. ​​​​Natural disasters happen any time and any place; Maryland is no exception. In the last few years, Marylanders have sustained a significant amount of damage to their homes and personal property as a result of tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. While natural disasters are out of our control, you can take steps to lessen the exposure to these types of losses and ensure that you have the appropriate insurance to cover potential damages.​​​

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To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, state officials say to text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish. You can also click here​ to view alert resources for your area.​​

General Information

  ​Disaster Cards:

Claims Process

 

What To Do Before A Loss

 

​​​​​Follow these Pre-Disaster Planning Tips:​ "​What to do to protect your home and finances from damage" 

  • ​Gather copies of your insurance policies and keep them in a secure, dry location.​
  • Save your insurer’s contact information. You can print an Insurance Information Card so you can keep all your essential insurance data in your wallet.
  • Make a home or business inventory. You can do this by photographing or videotaping your belongings so that you have proof of ownership in case they get damaged or destroyed. You can also download the Home Inventory app​ or read our FAQs​. 
  • Secure or store outdoor items like grills, patio furniture and small loose items.
  • Prepare your home by putting up hurricane or plywood shutters on all windows, close your garage door and all interior doors, and brace or reinforce your garage door to help prevent significant structural damage.
Watch this video to learn more, click here​.

What To Do After A Loss

 
​​​​Frequently Asked Questions:
Post-Disaster Cards
Flood Damage​ 

​Earthquake Insurance

 
  • While a homeowner’s policy typically does not cover damages from an earthquake, consumers may be able to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy or endorsement. The terms, conditions and exclusions in an earthquake insurance policy or endorsement will vary from one insurer to the next. Read the policy or endorsement, and talk to your insurance producer when considering your purchase of earthquake insurance.
  • For more general information about such policies, see the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s brochure "A Consumer's Guide to Earthquake Insurance."

Preparedness Tips

  ​​​​​Make sure you are prepared, including making sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Below are preparedness tips by category:

Extreme Weather:
Winter Preparedness:​​
Spring Preparedness:
Summer Preparedness:
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State and Federal Resources

Videos

 
  • Virtual Disaster Center - January 16, 2024
    View webinar HERE​
    View presentation HERE

  • Virtual Disaster Center - September 28, 2023
    View webinar here​​
    View presentation here

  • Virtual Disaster Center - May 25, 2023
    View video HERE​
    View slide presentation HERE​

  • ​​After the storms - Assistance is Available
    August 11
    View video HERE​.
    View hard copy presentation HERE.

    July 12
    View video HERE.
    View hard copy presentation HERE​.​​
  • ​​Disaster Preparedness Month September 2022 - Task of the Week #4: Video
  • ​Disaster Preparedness Month September 2022 - Task of the Week #3: Video
  • Disaster Preparedness Month September 2022 - Task of the Week #2: Video
  • Disaster Preparedness Month September 2022 - Task of the Week #1: Video​​
  • Filing a Weather-Related Claim: Video
  • Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes: Video
  • Tips on creating a Home Inventory: Video
    Realice un inventario de su hogar: Video
  • Because Your Family Matters An Insurance Disaster Preparedness Review: Webinar
  • Flooding in Maryland is More Common than You Think: Video
  • Maryland Flood Awareness Month: Video
  • Flood Insurance Tips: Video
  • Flood Insurance Preparation: Whiteboard video
  • What to do before a disaster: Video
    Que hacer ante un desastre
  • What to do after a disaster: Video
    que hacer despues de un desastre
  • If a tree falls on your property, are you covered by your homeowners policy? Video
  • Storm damaged vehicles and comprehensive coverage: Video
  • There's Been a Disaster - What Should I Do? Video​
  • Tips to Help Prepare for a Disaster Video
  • Do I Need Flood Insurance? Video
    Necesito un seguro contra inundaciones: Video
  • Tips for Purchasing Flood Insurance: Video
What to do before a disaster:​
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What to do after a disaster:​


Flood Insurance Resources:

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Be Prepared for any Season:
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Home Inventory App:​​
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Maryland Insurance Administration
200 St. Paul Place
Suite 2700
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-468-2000
1-800-492-6116 (toll free)
1-800-735-2258 (TTY)