Living in Florida, a state prone to hurricanes, it’s essential to have a comprehensive emergency plan that includes ensuring you have the right insurance coverage for potential damage from these unpredictable storms.
Here’s what you should consider when it comes to hurricanes and choosing the appropriate homeowners insurance:
Coverage for Wind Damage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by wind, which is often the primary cause of hurricane damage. However, it’s crucial to confirm with your Reale agency agent whether wind damage is included in your policy.
Deductibles can vary for wind damage. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket toward a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. This is a way to share the risk between you and your insurer.
Coverage for Flood Damage
Typically, private homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, including flooding caused by hurricanes. To protect against flood-related losses, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Flood insurance covered by The National Flood Insurance Program building coverage protects:
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Furnaces and water heaters
- Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances like dishwashers
- Permanently installed carpeting
- Permanently installed cabinets, paneling, and bookcases
- Window blinds
- Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases.
- Detached garages
- Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, and solar energy equipment
The National Flood Insurance Program Contents coverage protects:
- Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Washer and dryer
- Portable and window air conditioners
- Microwave oven
- Carpets not included in building coverage (e.g., carpet installed over wood floors)
- Valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)
However, if wind from a hurricane damages your roof and rain subsequently enters your home, your homeowners insurance may provide coverage for resulting damage from the rain, if your policy includes wind coverage.
It’s essential to thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not.
By ensuring your homeowners insurance policy includes adequate coverage for wind damage and considering purchasing flood insurance, you can better protect your home and belongings from the potential financial impact of hurricanes.
If you have any questions or need assistance in reviewing your coverage options, feel free to reach out to your Reale agent for personalized guidance or call 239-748-4956.
