Hurricane season runs from June through November, and the peak of the season is typically in September. Now is the best time to review your homeowner’s insurance to ensure that you are adequately covered if a hurricane hits. Keep reading this article for information on the 5 Things You Need to do Now to Ensure You Are Covered for a Hurricane.
Don’t wait until a hurricane is announced before deciding to review your insurance coverage. If there is a hurricane watch, insurance companies will not allow homeowners or business owners to make changes to the current policy. Instead, have a professional review your policy now to ensure you have the right protection. Most homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane damage; however, some policies don’t cover flooding. An additional insurance policy is needed for flood coverage. The insurance policy may exclude or limit hurricane coverage if you live in an area that is more susceptible to hurricanes, like the Gulf Coast. We recommend asking your current insurer if adding windstorm or hurricane coverage to your policy is an option.
What does hurricane insurance cover?
Although there is not a type of coverage called “hurricane insurance,” most standard policies will cover damages due to a hurricane, however not including flood damage. If you live along the East Coast or Gulf Coast, additional windstorm and flood coverage may need to be purchased. A constant misunderstanding is that a homeowner’s policy covers flood damage.
Does renters insurance cover hurricane damage?
If you are renting your home, the renter’s insurance will cover damage to your belongings. Your landlord’s insurance will cover the physical damage to the property. Renters insurance pays for damages, theft, and personal liability coverage. It can include additional living expenses and if you can’t live in the home due to damages.
Unlike homeowners insurance, there is no hurricane deductible for renters. If you need to file a claim, you would need to pay your deductible, usually $250 or $500, before your insurance company pays their portion.
Since the hurricane season is here, we have prepared a hurricane preparation guide for homes and businesses. We suggest reviewing these guides, sharing them with friends, and preparing if a hurricane damages your property. You can access them here.
If you or someone you know needs to speak with an insurance expert, we offer consultations for homeowners and business owners. Our team of experts can assess your insurance policy to make sure the coverage is in your best interest. As public adjuster’s, we work on behalf of the policyholder. Read more about the differences between an insurance adjuster and a public adjuster here.
Strategic Claim Consultants led by CEO Brandon Lewis is a public adjusting firm focused on helping businesses with their claims or potential insurance claims. Not sure where to start? Strategic Claim Consultants are here to help. As certified public adjusters with years of experience, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us now so that we can understand your needs and help plan the best course of action for your situation.