As more and more severe weather warnings are issued over the summer months, home owners should be aware of their insurance coverage.

Tornado season starts in June and goes until August in Alberta, with many storms creating golf ball sized hail and lightning that can cause serious damage to homes. 

David Coleman, President of Smith Insurance, explained the importance of reviewing your home insurance policy to ensure that you are covered.

"Most, if not all property packages would cover the resulting damage from a tornado. It is a common issue of course in Alberta and most packages would cover it."

When renewing or purchasing a policy, Coleman said it's important to understand the difference in coverage.

"Replacement cost is a clause in your policy that will guarantee the replacement of whatever you had. A cash value policy, the insurance company then becomes responsible for whatever the value is at the time of the loss, less depreciation and all those other types of considerations."

Coleman also said it's important to review the coverage with a professional Insurance Broker to understand how the event of a loss will be handled.

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