Florida Hurricane Season and Essential Insurance Coverage

Although Florida may be aptly named The Sunshine State, conditions can quickly turn and present significant threats to homeowners and their properties. Hazardous weather may be particularly consequential during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which spans June through November and typically entails the greatest risk of severe tropical storms impacting the Florida coastline. To adequately address these risks and exposures, homeowners should fully understand their insurance needs and coverage options.

What Is Hurricane Insurance?

Although a common term, hurricane insurance is not often available as a named product from many insurance companies. Rather, hurricane insurance may refer to a combination of coverages, typically including the following:

• Flood insurance can provide financial relief following incidents in which external floodwater enters a home and causes damage to its structural elements or contents.

• Windstorm insurance may cover losses and damages arising from powerful winds, such as if a gale blows debris into a home or rips shingles off a roof.

Do I Need Insurance for Hurricanes?

Both floods and windstorms may often be excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. As such, many policyholders may need to enhance their coverage portfolios by securing appropriate endorsements or separate insurance. In some cases, homeowners may be beholden to specific requirements regarding coverage. For example, a homeowner’s mortgage lender may require them to carry flood and/or windstorm coverage as long as their loan remains outstanding. Additionally, homeowners who have previously received aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood-related losses must retain coverage to be eligible for future funds.

Learn More

Securing and maintaining ideal coverage for hurricanes can be a complicated subject that requires diligent planning. Consider enlisting the assistance of a qualified insurance professional, such as those at Florida Coast Insurance Agency. Contact us today to learn more or to compare personalized quotes.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.