Understanding Your Florida Homeowners Insurance Policy Before Hurricane Season Hits
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak on September 10. Most activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center. Being prepared is key to getting through storm season. Here are some important tips to help you understand your Florida homeowners insurance policy.
Preparing Your House for Hurricane Flooding
Aside from physical preparations like boarding up windows, using sandbags, and securing patio furniture, there’s an often-overlooked step that could save you money: familiarizing yourself with your home and flood insurance policies. This knowledge will help you understand what costs you’re responsible for covering if your home is damaged. Documenting your home’s condition and valuable possessions can also make filing a claim easier.
Key Points to Check in Your Florida Home Insurance Policy
If disaster strikes, you don’t want to be left unaware of any gaps in your policy coverage. For instance, flood and home insurance are typically sold separately, so if you’re a new homeowner, you might not know that most home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Re-read the “Exclusions” and “Duties After Loss” sections of your home or flood insurance policies to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover damage from strong winds, including hurricanes. However, your policy might have a separate deductible for hurricane damage. To get the most out of your Florida homeowners insurance claim, don’t wait until your belongings are damaged to discover their value. Take a slow video of your home and property before the storm hits, and document valuable items with photos or a detailed list, including receipts for expensive items.
Protecting Important Documents Before a Hurricane
Don’t rely solely on paper copies of important documents like your insurance policies. Scan and upload them to a cloud storage service like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. This way, you can access them as long as you have cell service or Wi-Fi, even if you’re in an emergency situation.
By understanding your insurance policy and taking these steps, you can ensure you’re better prepared for hurricane season.
