Real estate investment can be one of the most rewarding and stable ways to build long-term wealth. But like any business venture, it doesn’t come without risk. From tenant injuries and contractor accidents to third-party property damage and legal disputes, a lot can go wrong—especially when you’re managing multiple properties or dealing with a high volume of foot traffic. That’s why general liability insurance is an essential part of any real estate investor’s toolkit.
At Weed Ross, we’ve seen how quickly summer storms can turn into serious claims. As your local independent insurance agency, we work with clients in East Aurora, Ellicottville, Ravena, Randolph, Westfield, and surrounding areas to make sure their coverage is equipped to handle the realities of summer. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your property and your peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The most common summer weather risks in New York
- What to review in your homeowners or renters insurance
- Key business insurance considerations for summer storms
- How flood insurance fits into the picture
- Why working with an independent agent makes a difference
Common Summer Weather Risks in Upstate New York
Summer may bring long days and sunshine, but it also comes with unpredictable weather patterns. Here are a few of the most frequent threats:
- Severe Thunderstorms: These can produce damaging winds, hail, and lightning—all of which pose risks to homes, vehicles, and personal safety.
- Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding: Sudden downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, flood basements, and damage foundations.
- Tornadoes and Microbursts: While less common, these high-intensity wind events do happen in New York and can level trees, power lines, and roofs.
- Extended Heat Waves: High temperatures can stress HVAC systems, damage roofing materials, and increase the risk of fire.
- Tree and Limb Damage: Saturated soil combined with high winds can cause trees to uproot or limbs to fall, damaging property and creating safety hazards.
What to Review in Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance
Many people assume their homeowners or renters insurance covers any damage from a storm—but that’s not always the case. Summer weather events often reveal gaps in basic policies. Here’s what to look for:
Wind and Hail Damage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind and hail damage, which are common during summer storms. However, it’s important to double-check your policy for any wind or hail-specific deductibles, which are often higher than your base deductible and could impact your out-of-pocket costs.
Roof Coverage
Roofs are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during severe weather. Some insurers reduce coverage for older roofs by applying depreciation or only offering actual cash value instead of full replacement cost, so if your roof is more than 15 years old, be sure to ask how it’s covered.
Tree Damage
If a tree falls on your home, garage, or other insured structure during a storm, most policies will cover the damage. That said, tree removal and cleanup, along with landscaping repairs, may have separate limits or exclusions—so it’s worth clarifying these with your insurance agent.
Water Damage vs. Flood Damage
Water damage from internal issues like a burst pipe or leaking appliance is typically covered under a standard policy. But damage from external sources, such as flash floods, heavy rainfall, or rising groundwater, is considered flood damage and requires a separate flood insurance policy.
Loss of Use
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage, “loss of use” coverage helps pay for additional living expenses such as hotel stays, meals, or temporary rentals. This can be a financial lifesaver during extended repairs, but limits vary, so make sure you understand how much coverage you have.
A quick review with your agent can help confirm whether you have enough protection—or if it’s time to make adjustments.
Business Insurance Considerations for Summer Storms
For business owners, summer weather brings more than just the threat of physical damage—it can also disrupt daily operations, deter customers, and lead to significant financial loss. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your business insurance includes comprehensive protection tailored for seasonal risks. Commercial property insurance can help cover damage to your building, signage, and business contents caused by storms. Business interruption coverage is another critical component, providing compensation for lost income and operational expenses if you’re forced to shut down temporarily. Equipment breakdown insurance is especially important in hot weather, when HVAC systems and refrigeration units are more likely to fail under stress.
Don’t forget to account for any outdoor assets your business may rely on, such as signage, inventory, or equipment kept outside—these items may require additional endorsements to be fully protected. A summer storm doesn’t have to bring your business to a halt. With the right coverage in place, you can recover quickly and keep serving your customers, no matter what the weather brings.
Flood Insurance: Do You Need It?
Flooding is one of the most underinsured risks—especially in areas that aren’t technically classified as high-risk zones. But in New York, summer storms often bring flash flooding, regardless of what the FEMA flood maps say.
Standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage. For that, you’ll need a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. If you have a basement, live near a creek, or have experienced water in your home before, it’s worth looking into.
The good news: Flood insurance is more affordable than most people think—especially when you’re outside the high-risk zones. Weed Ross can help you understand your flood risk and explore options that work for your home or business.
Why Work with a Local Independent Agency Like Weed Ross
Storm prep isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your risks depend on your property type, your location, and even the age of your building. That’s where an independent agency like Weed Ross makes all the difference.
Because we’re not tied to just one insurer, we can shop across 40+ carriers to find the coverage that actually fits your needs. More importantly, we’re right here in the community—so when a storm hits, you’re not stuck calling a national hotline. You’re getting help from someone who lives nearby and understands the unique risks of your neighborhood.
We’ll help you:
- Review your current policies for summer weather gaps
- Recommend upgrades or endorsements if needed
- Bundle your policies to save money without sacrificing protection
- Be prepared if you ever need to file a claim
Summer should be a time for enjoying long days and warm nights—not worrying about whether your insurance will hold up in a storm. With the right protection in place, you can enjoy the season knowing your home, business, and property are covered. Contact Weed Ross today to schedule a free policy review and make sure you’re ready for whatever summer brings.
