5-minute read
Summer in Iowa brings road trips, backyard gatherings, lake weekends, and time outdoors. It also brings severe thunderstorms, hail, increased driving, and added liability risks. Iowa is no stranger to summer storm season — from hail-producing supercells to derechos that can cause widespread damage in a matter of minutes.
Before summer is in full swing, work through this checklist to make sure your home and auto coverage keeps up with your lifestyle. A little review now can prevent a lot of headaches later.
1. Review Your Wind, Hail & Storm Coverage
Summer storm season in Iowa can be just as intense as spring — and in some ways more unpredictable. Derechos, which are long-lived, fast-moving wind storms, are particularly common in Iowa during June, July, and August and can cause damage across hundreds of miles in a single event. Strong winds, hail, and heavy rain are consistent threats throughout the season.
Take a moment to confirm the following with your policy:
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Does your homeowners policy cover wind and hail damage?
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Is your roof insured at replacement cost or actual cash value?
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Do you have a separate wind or hail deductible?
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Does your auto policy include comprehensive coverage for hail or storm damage while parked?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn their roof coverage changes as the roof ages. As a roof gets older, some insurers shift from replacement cost coverage to actual cash value — meaning depreciation is factored in and your payout could be significantly less than expected. Ask your agent specifically how your roof is covered. And without comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, hail damage won’t be covered at all. Knowing now can prevent surprises later.
2. Check Liability Coverage for Summer Gatherings
Summer often brings more people to your property — and with that comes increased liability exposure. Whether you’re hosting a graduation party, firing up the grill, or letting the kids run through the sprinklers, your homeowners liability coverage is what helps protect you financially if someone is injured on your property.
A few important questions to consider:
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Are your liability limits high enough to cover a serious injury or lawsuit?
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Do you have a pool or trampoline that has been properly disclosed on your policy?
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Would a personal umbrella policy provide additional peace of mind?
The pool and trampoline question is one many homeowners overlook. Failing to disclose these features can affect your coverage in the event of a claim — and in some cases, could result in a denial. If you’ve added a pool, hot tub, or trampoline since your last policy review, let your agent know right away.
An umbrella policy is also worth considering if you haven’t already. For a relatively modest annual premium, it can add $1 million or more in liability protection above your existing home and auto limits — a meaningful safety net when summer activity is at its peak.
3. Update Your Auto Coverage for Increased Summer Driving
Driving habits often shift significantly in the summer months. Before hitting the road, make sure your auto policy reflects what’s actually happening in your household.
Things that may have changed since last summer:
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Teen drivers are out of school and driving more frequently
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Families are taking road trips and logging more miles
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New or additional vehicles may have been added
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A teen or family member may be driving for rideshare or delivery services
What to confirm with your policy:
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All drivers in your household are listed correctly
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All vehicles are properly insured for their use
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Your liability limits go beyond the Iowa state minimum
The rideshare and delivery point is worth a specific conversation with your agent. Personal auto policies typically do not cover accidents that occur while driving for rideshare or delivery apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex. If anyone in your household does this — even occasionally — a separate endorsement or policy may be needed.
Accidents are more common during high-travel months, and adequate limits matter when they do.
4. Review Coverage for Summer Toys & Recreational Vehicles
Iowa summers often mean it’s time to take out the boat, dust off the ATV, or hook up the camper. These are some of the most enjoyable parts of the season — but they also come with coverage considerations many people don’t think about until something goes wrong.
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Common summer recreational items that may need separate or additional coverage:
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Boats and personal watercraft (jet skis, wave runners)
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Campers and travel trailers
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ATVs, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes
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Golf carts
Not all recreational vehicles are automatically covered under your homeowners or auto policy. Some require a separate policy entirely, while others may have limited protection that doesn’t cover liability or damage while in use. If you’ve added anything new — or upgraded since last summer — it’s worth a quick conversation with your agent to confirm it’s insured properly.
Summer toys are fun. Make sure they’re covered the way you expect before you need to find out they aren’t.
5. Schedule a Coverage Review Before the Season Gets Away From You
The best time to review your coverage is before something happens — not after. A quick annual policy check can help identify gaps, clarify deductibles, and make sure your protection keeps pace with your summer lifestyle.
Iowa summers are busy and unpredictable — but your insurance coverage doesn’t have to be.
Ready to make sure you’re covered for the season? Contact us today to schedule your summer coverage review. A quick conversation with your agent now could save you thousands when it matters most.