The aftereffects of Hurricane Irene will cause an increase of insurance policy sales in the United States while small businesses and homeowners seek comprehensive coverage for their assets, All Headline News reports.

The news source states that insurance providers are getting an influx of wind, flood and business-interrupted insurance requests following Hurricane Irene.

According to authorities, more than $4.5 billion in damages were reported as a result of Hurricane Irene, and that figure is expected to climb, the news source states. Although North Carolina and Vermont were affected the most, now, more than ever, experts are encouraging families and business owners of all states to apply for comprehensive coverage.

While a flood often comes along with major storms, some wind-coverage policies that cover against hurricanes may not necessarily protect against water damage. Therefore the Insurance Information Institute urges policy owners to research their plans to find if they are covered by both wind and flood.

Unfortunately, many businesses across the East Coast didn't have flood insurance and are now struggling to get back on their two feet.