Am I Covered in a Hurricane?

As we navigate the uncertainties of the ongoing hurricane season headlined by Tropical Storm Debby, it's critical to understand your insurance coverages. Today, we aim to shed light on some essential insurance elements that pertain to storm-related damage to help you stay prepared and safe.

Rethinking Flood Insurance:

Most homeowners have a common misconception that their traditional home insurance policy covers flood damage. Unfortunately, that's not generally the case. Flood insurance is a separate coverage, which you might need to add to your insurance portfolio, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. If your home is not on a flood plain, you may not be required to carry flood insurance.

In the wake of an adverse weather event like a hurricane or a tropical storm, flood damage is a common concern. If you feel you might be at risk, please reach out to us, and we'll be glad to guide you through the process of obtaining appropriate flood insurance.

Reviewing Your Homeowners Insurance:

While a standard homeowners insurance policy might cover damage from windstorms or hail, it's crucial to be aware of your deductible amounts. Insurers often apply different deductibles for damage caused by these named storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

Over the past years, many insurance carriers have updated deductible amounts that apply explicitly to named storm damage. Being aware of these changes can significantly impact your pocketbooks in the event of a weather-related claim.

Understanding Deductibles:

A deductible is the amount you're responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. In the context of weather-related damage, named-storm deductibles are often higher than regular deductibles, reflecting the higher risk. Typically, the higher the deductible, the lower your premium is, so choosing a deductible you feel comfortable with paying out-of-pocket is key.

Weathering a hurricane season with peace of mind requires not only physical preparedness but also a thorough understanding of your insurance coverages. Awareness about your specific insurance details such as named-storm deductibles and the necessity of separate flood insurance is a critical, yet often overlooked, part of this disaster planning.

If you have any questions about your weather-related insurance coverages or if you wish to review your policies, please let us know. Ensuring you have adequate coverage to weather any storm is part of our commitment to you.

We wish you a great weekend, free from worries about the weather. Stay safe, stay informed, and remember that we're here to help you navigate any storm – literal or metaphorical! Thanks for reading, and take care.