Hurricane Preparedness: How to Choose the Right Home Insurance
Hurricane season in Florida is like that uninvited guest who keeps showing up earlier and staying longer than expected. It’s unpredictable, expensive, and occasionally dramatic. But while you can’t control Mother Nature’s whims, you can control how prepared you are. That starts with choosing the right home insurance.
The cold, hard truth? Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover hurricane damage. That’s right—there’s no “hurricane insurance.” Instead, you’ll need a mix of windstorm and flood insurance to ensure your home and bank account don’t take an irreversible hit. So, let’s break down what you need to know to protect your home when the next storm inevitably rolls in.
Understanding the Risk: Why Your Home is a Target
Florida is the undisputed heavyweight champion of hurricane risk.
Eight of the top ten counties most at risk of hurricane damage are in the Sunshine State. And while New York City holds the record for the highest number of homes at risk, Miami, Tampa, and Cape Coral aren’t far behind. The stakes are high, with storm surges and high winds threatening millions of homes yearly.
If you live near the coast, it’s not a matter if you’ll face hurricane damage, but when. As climate change fuels more intense storms, the need for proper insurance coverage has never been greater. Homeowners need to be strategic, not just about where they live but about the policies they carry. That’s where Shapiro Insurance Group can help.
Homeowners Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not
Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover hurricane-related flooding. If your home takes on water due to storm surge, your basic policy will leave you high and dry—financially speaking. However, most policies do cover wind damage unless you live in a high-risk zone where that’s excluded.
So, what’s the solution? A layered approach. You need:
A solid homeowners insurance policy that explicitly covers wind damage.
Separate windstorm insurance if your primary policy excludes it.
Flood insurance is available the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
The right coverage ensures you’re not left scrambling for government assistance or dipping into savings when disaster strikes.
Windstorm Insurance: Your First Line of Defense
The wind is a major culprit when hurricanes make landfall. It can rip off roofs, shatter windows, and turn patio furniture into high-speed projectiles. While most homeowners’ insurance policies cover wind damage, there’s a catch: windstorm coverage may be excluded if you live in a hurricane-prone area.
That’s where windstorm insurance comes in. This separate policy specifically covers damage from hurricane-force winds. Some states, including Florida, have specialized insurers that offer windstorm coverage when private insurers refuse.
Shapiro Insurance Group can help you determine whether your current policy includes wind coverage and assist in securing a standalone policy if needed. Call us today at 1-800-563-5467 to find out if you’re properly protected.
Flood Insurance: Don’t Assume You’re Covered
Storm surge is the silent, creeping menace of hurricanes. It doesn’t roar like the wind or send debris flying, but it will turn your living room into a swimming pool if given the chance.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance, but private insurers are also an option.
Policies vary, so it’s important to understand your coverage limits and whether additional protection is necessary. Shapiro Insurance Group can walk you through the process and help you secure your home’s best flood insurance plan. Don’t wait until the water’s at your doorstep—call us at 1-800-563-5467.
The Deductible Dilemma: How Much Will You Pay Out-of-Pocket?
Hurricane insurance deductibles are different from your standard homeowners’ policy. Instead of a flat dollar amount, hurricane deductibles are typically calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value—often ranging from 2% to 10%. If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 5% hurricane deductible, you must cover $15,000 before insurance kicks in.
Understanding your deductible is just as important as securing the right coverage. A hurricane could leave you with hefty out-of-pocket expenses if your deductible is too high. Shapiro Insurance Group can help you evaluate your policy and find options that balance affordability with comprehensive protection.
Don’t Wait Until the Storm is Brewing: Act Now
You don’t want to shop for insurance while watching a Category 5 hurricane barrel toward your home. Many insurers place binding restrictions on new policies once a storm is imminent, meaning you won’t be able to buy coverage at the last minute.
The best time to review and adjust your insurance coverage is before hurricane season begins. Shapiro Insurance Group specializes in tailoring policies to Florida homeowners. Call us today at 1-800-563-5467 to review your policy and get you ready for whatever hurricane season throws your way.
Peace of Mind is Priceless
Hurricanes may be unavoidable in Florida, but financial ruin doesn’t have to be. The right insurance coverage means distinguishing between rebuilding with confidence and struggling to recover.
At Shapiro Insurance Group, we don’t just sell policies—we provide peace of mind. Whether you need homeowners, windstorm, or flood insurance, we’ll help you navigate the complex world of coverage so you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.
Get in touch today, and let’s get you ready hurricane-ready before the next storm strikes.