Mattapoisett Tornado Victims Will Benefit from New Bedford Restaurant Fundraiser

Reality is setting in for the Mattapoisett residents who saw an EF-1 tornado touchdown on their properties Tuesday morning

Between damaged cars, roofs and homes, and monster-sized trees downed and strewn, some Mattapoisett homeowners are faced with trying to figure out how they will pay for repairs.

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

According to Chris Labonte from Labonte Insurance in Fairhaven, there may be an insurance gap. While most homeowners' insurance policies in Massachusetts automatically include coverage for hurricanes and tornadoes (they both fall under the wind category), there is often a pricey deductible that can range from 1% to 2% of the value of your home.

For example, a home worth $400,000 with a 1% deductible would be faced with a $4,000 out-of-pocket expense before the insurance company would start picking up the tab for damage. A 2% deductible would mean $8,000 out of pocket, and so on.

To help defray some of the cost of the insurance gap, Cisco Brewers Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford will host a fundraising event for Mattapoisett property owners affected by Tuesday's tornado.

Cisco has agreed to donate 10% of the outside bar tab to the Mattapoisett Lions Club, which will, in turn, distribute the monies to the victims of the tornado. The event is set for Tuesday, Aug. 29, 5 to 9 p.m.

"We have a culture of committing to the community," owner Steve Silverstein said. "Our staff decided to do this on their own. We have a great place to attract people to help the cause be as successful as it can be."