Hurricane Coverage and Prep for Florida

Hurricane Season Prep: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know About Insurance and Readiness

Living in Florida comes with its fair share of beautiful sunshine and sandy beaches, but it also means preparing for hurricane season. Ensuring you have the right insurance coverage and knowing how to safeguard your home and family are essential steps to weathering the storm. Here's what you need to know:

Essential Insurance Coverage for Hurricane Season

1. Homeowners Insurance: While it covers damage from many types of disasters, it typically excludes flooding caused by hurricanes. Rising water is specifically excluded under Homeowners policies as it is considering "flooding". Review your policy to understand what is covered and what isn’t.
2. Flood Insurance: Hurricanes can bring heavy rainfall and storm surges, leading to flooding. Flood insurance is not included in standard homeowners policies, so purchasing a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers is crucial. Flood insurance is particularly important if you live in an area prone to flooding, though even if you're in a low-risk zone, it can still be worth considering. Citizen Insurance (Florida's stated based home owners insurance program) denied 77% of claims from Hurricane Deby, citing that the cause was from flooding and not in the scope of their home insurance coverage.  Flood insurance typically covers your property and your personal property. 
   • Property coverage might include: 
   • Walls, floors
   • HVAC
   • Built-in appliances
   • Plumbing & electrical
   • Personal property coverages may include:
   • Furniture and clothing
   • Electronics and appliances
   • Important documents
   • Valuables
3. Windstorm Insurance: Florida homeowners may need additional windstorm coverage, which protects against damage from hurricane-force winds. This may be included in your homeowners policy or require a separate endorsement.
4. Comprehensive Auto Insurance: Vehicles can also be impacted by hurricanes. Comprehensive coverage ensures your car is protected from storm-related damage.

Tip: Always review your insurance policies before hurricane season and discuss any gaps in coverage with your agent.

How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes

1. Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in patio furniture, umbrellas, and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
2. Install Storm Shutters: Protect windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood to minimize damage from flying debris.
3. Clear Gutters and Drains: Ensure water flows away from your home to prevent flooding.
4. Check Roof and Foundation: Inspect for vulnerabilities and make repairs as needed.
5. Stock Emergency Supplies: Have flashlights, batteries, water, food, and medical supplies ready.

How to Prepare Your Family for Hurricanes

1. Create an Emergency Plan: Make sure everyone knows what to do, where to go, and who to contact during a hurricane.
2. Pack a Go-Bag: Include essentials like medications, documents, and clothing.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates and evacuation orders from local authorities.
4. Safeguard Important Documents: Keep insurance policies, IDs, and other vital documents in waterproof containers.
5. Plan for Pets: Ensure you have food, water, and a safe space for your pets.

Conclusion Preparation is key when facing the uncertainty of hurricane season in Florida. By ensuring proper insurance coverage and taking proactive steps to protect your home and family, you can navigate these challenging times with greater confidence. If you have questions about your insurance needs, our agency is here to help. Contact us today to make sure you’re fully prepared for the season ahead!

News4JAX. (2024, October 23). Citizens Property Insurance denied 77% of Florida homeowners' claims from Hurricane Debby, new data shows. Retrieved fromhttps://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2024/10/23/citizens-property-insurance-denied-77-of-florida-homeowners-claims-from-hurricane-debby-new-data-shows/

Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your agent for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.