How Does Hurricane Insurance Work?

Hurricanes are among the most damaging natural disasters that may threaten your home. These severe storms can include violent winds and torrential rainfall capable of inflicting devastating property damage and catastrophic financial losses. What’s more, hurricanes and their related damages may not be covered by a standard homeowners policy. Given the potential ramifications of these storms, your homeowners insurance portfolio should include appropriate coverage.

What Is Hurricane Insurance?

As its name suggests, hurricane insurance may provide critical financial security for property owners who may be affected by hurricanes. This term may not refer to a single policy but rather a combination of coverages that may provide adequate protection for potential hurricane-related losses. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not include coverage for hurricanes; however, you may be able to augment your policy with appropriate endorsements.

What Coverages Can Protect Me From Hurricanes?

When assembling your hurricane insurance package, you should ensure you fully understand the various essential components and features. Policies that leave gaps in your coverage may end up being insufficient in your most dire time of need. To ensure that your hurricane insurance is adequate, familiarize yourself with the following:

• Flood insurance—Heavy rains, damaged water mains and sewers, and overflowing bodies of water can all lead to severe flooding. Hurricanes may cause one or even all of these to occur, and your homeowners insurance policy typically does not include coverage for external water entering your home. Fortunately, flood insurance may help pay for water-related losses involving your home’s physical structure and its contents.
• Windstorm insurance—Gales and strong winds may inflict significant damage to your home’s roof, windows and siding during a hurricane. Although wind damage may be included in some homeowners insurance policies, this is often not the case in areas at high risk of hurricanes. In addition to hurricanes, windstorm coverage may protect you from tornados, cyclones and other wind-related perils.
• Hurricane deductible—When adding coverage for hurricanes to your homeowners insurance, you may be required to carry a separate deductible for hurricane-related losses. This means that even if you’ve already reached your general deductible within a policy year due to other incidents, you will still incur out-of-pocket costs for damage caused by a hurricane. Your agent can help explain more about this deductible and whether it applies to your policy.

Get the Right Coverage

Regardless of how well-maintained or protected your home may be, hurricanes can inflict devastating damage and potentially complete destruction. Considering how the safety of your home and belongings may be taken out of your hands, it’s critical to ensure that you at least have the means of recouping your losses. Fortunately, by purchasing and maintaining appropriate hurricane insurance, you can be better positioned to repair your home, replace your belongings and recover financially.

We’re here to help. The dedicated staff at the Lee R. Rogers Agency is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure your financial security and stability. Our agents will work with you to assess your circumstances, explore available coverage options and assemble optimal hurricane insurance. Visit our website or call 407-277-2400 to get started today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.