Hurricane Season Is Approaching: A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide
As the first thunderheads rise over the Gulf and the National Weather Service begins its daily updates, one thing becomes clear—hurricane season is near. While stocking up on bottled water and emergency supplies is wise, reviewing and preparing your home insurance coverage is equally critical. Waiting until a storm is named and approaching may leave you with no opportunity to adjust your policy.
For Florida homeowners, the period from June through November brings significant risks. However, with the right insurance strategy, you can stay one step ahead of the chaos.
Understand the Limits of Standard Homeowners Insurance
Most Florida homeowners insurance policies offer essential protections—but they don’t cover every type of damage a hurricane can cause. Wind damage? Sometimes. Rain from above? Often. Flooding or storm surge? Almost never.
Many homeowners mistakenly assume their policy covers all hurricane-related damage, only to discover major gaps when disaster strikes. To fully protect your home, you may need additional policies or endorsements, including:
- Homeowners Insurance
- Windstorm Insurance
- Flood Insurance
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage
Each policy provides a layer of protection, and together, they help safeguard your home, finances, and family during hurricane season.
Windstorm Insurance: Critical for Coastal Areas
Windstorm insurance covers damage caused by high winds—such as lost roof shingles, broken windows, or debris damage. It typically extends to other structures on your property, including detached garages, sheds, and fences.
In many coastal regions, insurers exclude windstorm coverage from standard homeowners policies, requiring homeowners to purchase it separately. This may be done through your current provider or through Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s state-managed insurer that serves as a safety net for those unable to secure private coverage.
Windstorm policies often include a hurricane deductible—usually a percentage of your insured value, not a flat amount. For example, with a 5% deductible on a $300,000 home, you would be responsible for $15,000 before insurance coverage begins. Reviewing and adjusting this deductible before storm season can help avoid unwelcome surprises.
Flood Insurance: Essential Protection for Florida Homes
Flooding is one of the most costly and disruptive consequences of hurricanes—and it’s not included in standard homeowners insurance. Whether caused by storm surge, heavy rainfall, or overwhelmed drainage systems, floodwaters can devastate your property within minutes.
Flood insurance, typically purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, helps cover these losses. Notable points:
- Coverage typically begins 30 days after purchase—plan ahead.
- Flood insurance is available even outside designated flood zones.
- About 25% of flood claims come from moderate- or low-risk areas.
- NFIP policies generally cover up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents.
If your home or possessions exceed these limits, supplemental flood insurance may be necessary. Reviewing your flood risk and getting a personalized quote ensures you have the right protection.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage: Peace of Mind During Displacement
Hurricanes can make homes uninhabitable for weeks or months. ALE coverage helps cover the cost of temporary housing, meals, transportation, and other essential expenses if you are forced to leave your home.
Some policies include ALE automatically, while others require it as an add-on. Review your limits carefully—some plans cap benefits by duration (e.g., 12–24 months), while others apply a percentage of your dwelling coverage. If you have family members, pets, or special needs, ensuring sufficient ALE coverage is especially important.
Take a Home Inventory Before the Storm
After a hurricane, insurers will require documentation of lost or damaged items. Trying to remember everything you own after a disaster is both difficult and unnecessary if you’ve prepared a home inventory in advance.
Use a checklist, app, or spreadsheet to record details, including serial numbers, photos, videos, and receipts. Store copies in a secure cloud account or a waterproof, fireproof container. This simple step can significantly speed up the claims process and help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Understand Policy Exclusions and Limitations
Carefully reviewing your policy can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Common exclusions and limitations include:
- Mold damage due to delayed repairs
- Limited coverage for fences, decks, screened enclosures, or landscaping
- Spoiled food caused by extended power outages
- Actual cash value (ACV) coverage, not replacement cost, for older roofs
If you are unsure about your coverage, speak with your insurance agent. A brief review can reveal where additional protection or endorsements may be needed.
What To Do After the Storm
Even with preparation, damage may occur. Following these steps can help ensure a smooth claims process:
- Confirm your home is safe before entering—avoid downed power lines and standing water.
- Take detailed photos and videos of all damage.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage; save all receipts.
- Contact your insurer promptly, using mobile apps or 24/7 hotlines if available.
- Keep a log of all conversations with adjusters, contractors, and service providers.
Working with an agency that offers post-storm claims support can be invaluable during this time.
Don’t Overlook Roof Condition and Wind Mitigation
Insurers closely evaluate roof age and condition following a storm. In Florida, roofs over 10–15 years old may be subject to partial payouts or even denied claims. Some policies apply roof depreciation clauses, which reduce reimbursement based on wear and tear.
If your roof is aging, consider replacement or upgrades—it can lower premiums, improve storm resistance, and minimize disputes during claims. Additionally, Florida insurers often provide discounts for wind mitigation features such as:
- Roof tie-downs or clips
- Impact-resistant windows or doors
- Reinforced garage doors
A certified wind mitigation inspection can document these upgrades and help reduce your insurance costs.
Your Immediate Action Plan
Get ahead of hurricane season by tackling the following:
- Review your homeowner’s insurance for wind and water coverage
- Confirm whether windstorm coverage is included or separate
- Purchase flood insurance if you don’t have it
- Review your hurricane deductible with your agent
- Update or complete a home inventory
- Schedule a roof inspection or wind mitigation review
- Safeguard important documents in waterproof storage
- Save your insurer’s contact details in your phone
Each action strengthens your protection and gives you confidence as the season approaches.
How Shapiro Insurance Group Supports Florida Homeowners
At Shapiro Insurance Group, we help Florida homeowners prepare with confidence. Our services include:
- Comprehensive policy reviews for homeowners, wind, and flood coverage
- Deductible comparisons and recommendations
- Expert support for flood and windstorm claims
- Assistance with documentation and home inventory preparation
- Access to a wide network of national and Florida-based insurers
With decades of experience, we understand the unique risks of living in Florida. Call us at 1-800-563-5467 to schedule your hurricane readiness review.
Don’t Wait Until the Storm Is Named
Once a hurricane watch is issued, insurers suspend policy changes and new coverages. The time to act is now—review your policies, get expert guidance, and put a plan in place.
When the winds rise and the rain pours, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protected.