In the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Isaias, property owners are left with a whirlwind of emotions, recovery efforts, and—inevitably—insurance questions. When disaster strikes, understanding your policy shouldn’t feel like decoding a foreign language.
To help ease the burden and bring clarity to the claims process, we’ve compiled the five most common questions our team received following Hurricane Isaias, along with straightforward answers to help you navigate your coverage.
1. Am I covered?
This is usually the very first question asked after assessing storm damage, and unfortunately, the answer depends heavily on the type of damage and the type of policy you hold.
- Wind vs. Water: Standard homeowners insurance policies generally cover damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, and flying debris. However, damage caused by rising storm surge or surface water flooding is typically not covered under a standard homeowners policy—it requires a separate flood insurance policy (such as through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier). All properties are in a flood zone and are very easy to get a quote!
- Policy Types: Review your declarations page to confirm whether you have a Special (all-risk) policy or a Basic (named perils only) policy, which dictates which specific types of damage are automatically covered.
2. What is my deductible?
When disaster hits, your deductible determines your out-of-pocket responsibility before your insurance kicks in. In coastal or hurricane-prone areas, deductibles can look a bit different than standard auto or boat insurance deductibles.
You can find your specific deductible amounts clearly outlined on the Declarations Page of your insurance policy document. Depending on your policy, you probably have:
- All Other Peril (AOP) Deductible: A flat dollar amount (e.g., $1,000 or $2,500) that applies to most standard claims.
- Hurricane/Windstorm Deductible: A separate deductible specifically for tropical storms or hurricanes, which is often calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat fee. Common percentages range from 2% to 10% of the Dwelling amount. It’s crucial to note where your policy says Hurricane Deductible (storm must have a name) or Wind/Hail (any wind/hail damage).
3. How does my deductible work?
We learned there is mass confusion on how hurricane deductibles work. Understanding how they are applied is crucial for managing your financial expectations and deciding if your damages are worth filing a claim.
- Percentage-Based Deductibles: If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 5% hurricane deductible, your out-of-pocket deductible amount is $15,000 ($300,000 x 0.05).
- How it’s Collected: Insurance companies typically do not ask you to write a check upfront for your deductible. Instead, they subtract the deductible amount from your total approved claim payout. For example, if your total roof and structural repairs are estimated at $40,000 and your deductible is $15,000, your insurance payout check will be $25,000.
- Seasonal vs. Annual: Be sure to check whether your hurricane deductible applies per storm or per calendar year, as multiple weather events can change how your deductible is assessed.
4. Is food spoilage covered?
Extended power outages are a hallmark of major hurricanes, often leading to hundreds of dollars of spoiled groceries in refrigerators and freezers.
- The Short Answer: Many standard homeowners policies do provide limited coverage for food spoilage caused by a power outage, often capped around $500.
- The Catch: Check your policy’s specific language. In many cases, a standard deductible will apply to the claim. Since a deductible is often higher than the value of the spoiled food itself ($500 vs. a $1,000 deductible), filing a separate claim for food spoilage alone may not make financial sense. However, if you are already filing a larger claim for structural damage, food spoilage can often be added to that existing claim. Keep receipts, take photos of spoiled items, and document everything if possible!
5. My neighbor’s tree fell on my property, what do I do?
It’s a classic post-storm scenario: a massive oak from next door crashes across your fence or onto your roof or car. Who pays?
- The General Rule: As a rule of thumb, your insurance policy covers the damage to your property, regardless of whose tree it was. If your neighbor’s healthy tree fell on your shed during Hurricane Isaias, your homeowners insurance is typically responsible for repairing the shed (minus your deductible), and you are responsible for clearing the tree debris off your land.
- Exceptions for Negligence: The rule changes if the tree was visibly dead, rotting, or neglected before the storm, and you had previously notified your neighbor in writing about the hazard. In that case, your insurer might subrogate (pursue your neighbor’s liability insurance) to recover costs. Otherwise, act quickly to document the damage and contact your adjuster.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the aftermath of a hurricane is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Keeping your policy documents organized, documenting all damage with photos and videos, and communicating closely with your agent and adjuster can make all the difference in a smooth recovery process.
Have more questions about your policy or need guidance on filing a claim? Reach out to our team today—we are here to help you rebuild and feel more prepared before the next storm.
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.
