What To Know About Hurricane Insurance?

As hurricane season approaches and you face the possibility of storm-related damage, there are a few things to keep in mind whether you have home insurance or other property insurance.

• Flooding: Property insurance generally does not cover flood damage, which many property owners are unaware of. Flood insurance will almost always have to be bought separately. If you live near a big body of water or on terrain that is vulnerable to storm surges, this is a desirable and maybe required investment.

• Differences in hurricane insurance policies: Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to hurricane insurance is that not all policies are created equal. Individual plans might vary based on the insurer from which you purchase your insurance, as well as the quantity and categories of coverage specified in your policy.

• Deductibles for hurricane damage: Some insurers have included provisions in their property insurance policies in some jurisdictions that mandate higher deductibles for damage caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters. If you own a home in a high-risk region, your insurer may require you to obtain a separate policy for hurricane damage or pay a larger deductible for hurricane damage than you would normally pay for other types of loss

What Is Covered Under Homeowner's Insurance In The Event Of Hurricane Damage?

What Is Covered Under Homewoner’s Insurance In Case of a Hurricane Damage? If your home is damaged by hurricane winds, it is likely that your home will be covered under your homeowners insurance. Your insurance will likely help cover the cost of your home repairs. This means that your home is covered if your home is damaged by winds. This does not mean that damage by water or flooding will be covered. In the state of Florida, you need separate flood insurance for this to be covered. 

If you are a resident of Florida, if you buy flood insurance, insurance companies will charge an additional fee or a more expensive policy deductible. It is very common for insurance companies to place moratoriums on existing and new policies the moment a hurricane has been officially named by the National Weather Service. This is why we recommend getting the coverage you need and making changes to the policy in advance before a storm arrives. You will only be covered for things that you can prove you lost or that were damaged. 

Hurricane Hazards

Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.

Storm Surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.

Storm Tide is the water level rise during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.

• Heavy Rainfall and Inland Flooding

Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. 

Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the strength of tropical cyclones but rather to the speed and size of the storm, as well as the geography of the area. Slower moving and larger storms produce more rainfall.

• High Winds

Tropical storm-force winds are strong enough to be dangerous to those caught in them. For this reason, emergency managers plan on having their evacuations complete and their personnel sheltered before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, not hurricane-force winds.

Hurricane force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside become flying missiles during hurricanes.

• Rip Currents:

The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to mariners and coastal residents and visitors. When the waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly rip currents - even at large distances from the storm.

Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore.

• Tornadoes:

Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane; however, they can also occur near the eyewall. Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived, but they still pose a significant threat.

Other Things to Keep In Mind After a Hurricane

•  Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.

• Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.

• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.

• Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.

• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

• Move to a neighbor’s home if necessary.

What To Do During A Hurricane

Do your best to avoid driving or going outside when there are severe weather conditions. Everything to wind, flooding and debris can be very dangerous.

If you need to leave your home during a storm:

• Avoid walking through flowing water. Standing/moving water can knock you over. Exposed wires may also be in the water which can be very dangerous. 

•  Don’t drive through flooded roads. Cars can easily be swept away in just two feet of moving water. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

• Do not drive around road barriers.

• Keep up with the emergency information via the news, phone updates or the radio.

• Follow instructions of public safety officials.

• Evacuate if told to do so. Grab your essentials and the emergency kit and find somewhere safe to stay. 

• Do not leave your pets behind.

• If told to shelter in place, listen and do not leave your home unless you absolutely have to. 

How To Prepare For A Hurricane

To both protect yourself and your home from hurricane damage, it is important to understand how best to prepare for these powerful storms. These storms can damage entire rooms, destroy homes, and devastate entire communities. Preparing not only protects you from the storm, but also from the insurance companies. 

When mass hurricane damage occurs, they will likely want to downplay the damage that innocent people suffer. To ensure that your insurance claim isn’t denied, we recommend taking the following precautions.

• Plan Ahead. Make sure you have your phone charged and that you have access to emergency phone numbers. Prepare an emergency kit, create a plan for your pets, know the best evacuation plan, and research local shelter centers just in case you need it. 

• Gather Your Emergency Supplies. Hurricanes can easily derail your plans. Make sure you are stocked up on the essentials and that you have enough food and water for 4-5 days. Add medicine, batteries, flashlights, important personal items, important documents, candles and a lighter and you have yourself a well-put-together emergency kit. 

• Understand the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning. Know your weather terminology so you can best understand the weather conditions! On the news they often refer to, “hurricane watch” and “hurricane warning.” A hurricane watch means that a hurricane may possibly form due to the weather conditions. A hurricane warning means that a hurricane is expected to form or that there is a hurricane expected to hit in your area.

• Prepare Your Vehicle. Fill your gas tank, keep your car under cover, and grab one of your emergency kits to keep in your vehicle.

Returning Home After A Hurricane

Once the storm has cleared and it is safe to go outdoors, photograph your property’s exterior, interior, roof, yards, etc.

What To Do After The Storm

• Once the storm has cleared and it is safe to go outdoors, photograph your property’s exterior, interior, roof, yards, etc.

• Contact an experienced insurance claims attorney before meeting with an adjuster or giving recorded statements

• Call your insurance provider and report the claim in a timely manner.

• Review your policy coverages and Co-Insurance penalties.

• Obtain a timely inspection by a qualified third-party contractor and/or roof specialist to assess the building damage.

• Write down the name and number of every person you talk to from your insurance company.

• Look out for signs of bad faith insurance practices.

• For more information about homeowners’ insurance claims, contact the A. Group.

One of the most critical steps to take after a storm is assessing your home and property damage. Hurricane damage is covered under standard homeowners’ insurance policies, but it isn’t always smooth sailing.

Facing The Future After A Natural Disaster

Take several photos. As many as you can, to document the damages to your home or property for insurance purposes. If damage is severe and you have to complete a rebuild or reconstruction of your house, it may be wise to storm-proof your home just in case additional storms roll in. This can protect your home from additional damage. 

Rebuilding your home will take time, but try not to stress. Take each repair step by step and avoid trying to do it all at once. Take on the projects you know you can safely repair yourself, but leave the bigger jobs to hired professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. While you are recovering from the storm, remember that the rebuilding process does take time and this will be gradual, especially if the damage is excessive. Be patient with power restoration and as always, first and foremost, keep yourself and your family safe during these times.