Insurance & Home Preparation Guide
Quick Answer: Florida homeowners can prepare for hurricane season by reviewing their insurance coverage, understanding their hurricane deductible, documenting their property, securing outdoor belongings, and checking whether they have flood insurance. Taking these steps before a storm threatens can help homeowners make informed decisions and be better prepared if damage occurs.
What Should Florida Homeowners Do Before a Hurricane?
Hurricane preparation includes both protecting your home and understanding your insurance. Before a storm approaches, homeowners should:
- Review their homeowners insurance policy and coverage limits.
- Know how their hurricane deductible works.
- Check whether they have flood insurance.
- Photograph and document their home and belongings.
- Bring outdoor furniture and loose items inside.
- Secure windows and doors using appropriate protection.
- Clear gutters and drainage areas when it is safe to do so.
- Charge phones and backup batteries.
- Gather important insurance, financial, and identification documents.
- Follow local emergency guidance and evacuation instructions.
Preparing ahead of time can make it easier to act safely when weather conditions deteriorate. Avoid last-minute outdoor preparations once dangerous conditions begin.
Can I Change My Homeowners Insurance Before a Hurricane?
It may not be possible to purchase a new policy or increase certain coverage once a hurricane is approaching. Insurers may place restrictions or temporary binding suspensions in effect, depending on the circumstances.
Don’t wait until a storm is on the way to find out whether your coverage meets your needs. If you have questions about your policy or think you may have a coverage gap, contact your insurance agent well before hurricane season or as early as possible.
What Is a Hurricane Deductible?
A hurricane deductible is the amount you may have to pay out of pocket before your policy pays for covered hurricane-related damage. Depending on the policy, the deductible may be a percentage of the home’s insured value rather than a fixed dollar amount.
For example, if a home is insured for $400,000 and the applicable hurricane deductible is 2%, the deductible would be $8,000.
Your policy terms determine when and how the deductible applies, so review your declarations page and ask your insurance agent if anything is unclear.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding From a Hurricane?
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage, even when flooding is caused by a hurricane. A storm can cause both wind damage and flooding, and those losses may be handled differently under insurance policies.
Storm surge and rising floodwater generally require separate flood insurance. Coverage depends on the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of the policies involved.
Wind vs. Flood Coverage
- Wind damage: May be covered by a homeowners policy, subject to policy terms.
- Roof damage from covered wind: May be covered by a homeowners policy, subject to policy terms and exclusions.
- Storm surge: Generally requires flood insurance if the damage is covered.
- Rising floodwater: Generally requires flood insurance if the damage is covered.
- Wind-driven rain: Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances.
Your individual policy determines what is actually covered.
Should I Photograph My Home Before a Hurricane?
Yes. Photos and videos taken before a storm can help document the condition of your property and belongings if you later need to file a claim.
Consider documenting:
- Your roof and the outside of your home
- Windows and doors
- Appliances and electronics
- Furniture and valuable belongings
- Outdoor equipment and other property
- Vehicles
Keep a home inventory with approximate values, receipts, and proof of ownership when available. Store digital copies somewhere secure and accessible if your home is damaged.
How Can I Prepare My Home for Hurricane Damage?
Taking reasonable precautions may help reduce potential damage. Before conditions deteriorate:
- Bring patio furniture indoors and secure grills and outdoor equipment.
- Remove loose decorations and planters.
- Clear gutters and drainage areas if it is safe.
- Use appropriate shutters or window coverings.
- Secure garage and exterior doors.
- Move vehicles to a protected location when possible.
- Follow local guidance about evacuation and sheltering.
Never put yourself at risk to complete preparations once dangerous winds or flooding have begun.
What Should I Have Ready If I Need to File a Hurricane Claim?
Keep important information together before a storm arrives. Helpful items may include:
- Your insurance policy and declarations page
- Your agent’s and insurance company’s contact information
- A home inventory and photos or videos
- Receipts for valuable belongings
- Mortgage information
- Identification and other important documents
If damage occurs, take photos or videos before making permanent repairs when it is safe to do so. Keep receipts for reasonable temporary repairs, take steps to prevent further damage when safe, and follow your insurer’s instructions for reporting the claim.
FAQs About Hurricane Insurance Preparation in Florida
Can I buy homeowners insurance right before a hurricane?
Not necessarily. Insurers may restrict new policies or certain coverage changes when a storm is approaching. Review your coverage well in advance.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
It depends on your policy. Wind damage may be covered, but deductibles, exclusions, limits, and other conditions may apply.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm surge?
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance may be needed, subject to its terms.
What should I do if I don’t understand my hurricane deductible?
Review your declarations page and policy, then contact your insurance agent before a storm threatens your area.
Should I review my homeowners insurance every year?
An annual review can help you account for changes to your home, renovations, belongings, property value, and coverage needs.
Hurricane Preparation: Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Homeowners insurance covers everything a hurricane causes.
Fact: Coverage varies, and flood damage is generally not included in a standard homeowners policy.
Myth: I can always increase my coverage when a hurricane is approaching.
Fact: Insurers may restrict new applications or coverage changes as a storm nears.
Myth: Hurricane preparation only means buying supplies.
Fact: Reviewing insurance coverage and documenting your property are also important parts of preparation.
Key Takeaways
- Review your insurance before a storm threatens.
- Understand your hurricane deductible and potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Know the difference between wind and flood coverage.
- Create a home inventory with photos and receipts.
- Secure loose property before conditions deteriorate.
- Keep insurance documents and contact information accessible.
- Follow official local emergency instructions and never risk your safety for last-minute preparations.
Is Your Florida Home Ready for Hurricane Season?
The best time to review your homeowners insurance is before a storm is in the forecast. Understanding your coverage, deductible, and flood protection can help you identify questions and potential gaps before you need to file a claim.
Harris Insurance can help Florida homeowners review their coverage, understand hurricane deductibles, and identify potential insurance gaps before a claim is needed. Contact Harris Insurance to discuss your policy and preparation needs.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
