ST. LOUIS – Spring in St. Louis can be a weather rollercoaster. 

Any given week could provide a glimpse of summer or a winter rewind. The change in seasons comes with an increased severe weather threat. 

That’s why insurance agent Ed Fogelbach says now is the time to prepare your home for whatever mother nature sends our way.

“Look at the trees that you have outside. Make sure that nothing is already over the top of your home. Also look for anything that could change the direction of the water and point it towards your home. If the gutters aren’t properly cleaned and cleared out on a regular basis, then that is going to end up creating water in your basement,” Fogelbach said.

Fogelbach says now, more than ever, it’s important for consumers to know and understand the ins and outs of their insurance policies.

“They go to make a roof claim, and they’re getting 20% of what the roof is worth because they didn’t realize that they’ve been at actual cash value instead of replacement costs for a period of time because the roof is over 10 years old,” Fogelbach said.

Fogelbach says hail and wind damage account for the most insurance claims in Missouri. He recommends customers use their insurance agent as a resource to make sure they’re properly protected.

And when it comes to the claims process…

“Just because the settlement comes through from the adjuster doesn’t mean it’s a final. Everything is, you know, something you can discuss. Just get your agent involved,” Fogelbach said.

Should disaster strike, Fogelbach stresses the importance of using established, local companies to make repairs.

If you have a question, asking a reputable agent is a must.

“I haven’t met an agent who hasn’t enjoyed sitting down and educating a client. That’s kind of the fun part. We went through it to understand it, and getting the opportunity to educate a client and teach them on how the policies work is really the best part of our day,” Fogelbach said.