Hurricane season in Florida demands proactive preparation, especially when it comes to protecting your home and family. Here are crucial steps to ensure you have the right insurance coverage in place before the next storm hits:
- Review Your Current Policy: Before hurricane season begins, review your existing homeowners insurance policy. Understand what is covered and any specific exclusions related to hurricane damage, such as windstorm or flood insurance.
- Consider Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Given Florida’s vulnerability to flooding during hurricanes, consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
- Assess Coverage Adequacy: Ensure your home insurance policy provides adequate coverage for the structure of your home and its contents. Consider any recent renovations or improvements that may require updating your coverage limits.
- Understand Deductibles: Know your insurance deductibles, particularly for hurricane-related claims. Hurricane deductibles in Florida are often calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, which can vary from insurer to insurer.
- Create a Home Inventory: Document your belongings with photos or videos. Keep a detailed inventory of valuable items, including receipts and appraisals if possible. This documentation will be invaluable when filing insurance claims after a storm.
- Secure Important Documents: Store copies of your insurance policies, home inventory, and other essential documents in a waterproof and fireproof safe or secure digital storage. Have easy access to these documents in case of evacuation.
- Prepare Your Property: Trim trees and bushes around your home, secure outdoor furniture, and consider installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows if feasible. Strengthening your home’s resilience can mitigate damage and potentially lower insurance premiums.
- Know Your Evacuation Plan: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters. Review your insurance policy to understand coverage for additional living expenses if you are displaced due to storm damage.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and updates from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about evacuation orders or other critical information related to hurricanes.
- Review Contact Information: Ensure you have your insurance agent’s contact information readily available. Understand the claims process and how to initiate a claim if your home sustains hurricane damage.
By taking these proactive steps before hurricane season begins, Florida homeowners can minimize risks and ensure they have the necessary insurance coverage to protect their homes and belongings. Stay prepared, stay safe!
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.