Hurricane Insurance Coverage for Policyholders

When owning property in a hurricane-prone area, being prepared is a necessity. As policyholders with properties in these areas, you have the means to safeguard your investments and set yourself up for a smooth recovery process. Here are five key things to look for to ensure that you have the proper hurricane insurance coverage:

 

Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage: Your Essential Defense

When considering your insurance policy, start with Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage. This coverage is your essential defense against the destructive impacts of hurricanes. Make sure your policy includes protection against wind-related damage, such as roof damage and shattered windows. This coverage not only shields your property but also provides you with peace of mind. 

 

Flood Insurance: Comprehensive Protection

In hurricane-prone zones, flooding is a major concern. While Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage are crucial, they may not cover flooding resulting from storm surges or heavy rainfall. To address this gap, think about adding a separate Flood Insurance Policy. This comprehensive coverage takes care of both structural damage and your belongings in the event of flooding.

 

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage: Your Support System

After a hurricane, your home might be uninhabitable due to extensive damage. This is where Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage comes into play. ALE ensures you have support for temporary housing, meals, and other necessities while your property is being restored. This provision in your policy can greatly ease the challenge you face during the post-hurricane period. 

 

Named Storm Deductibles: Know the Details

Understanding your policy’s deductibles, including Named Storm Deductibles, is crucial. These deductibles apply specifically to damage caused by named hurricanes or tropical storms. Keep in mind that these deductibles are often higher than your standard deductible. Knowing these details can help you avoid unexpected financial setbacks.

 

Timing is Key: Act Before the Storm

One must remember that once a hurricane is named, you cannot modify an insurance policy. Taking a proactive approach and reviewing/updating your coverage before a hurricane approaches becomes essential. At Premier Claims, we dedicate ourselves to equipping policyholders like you with knowledge and foresight, ensuring you prepare well in advance.

 

We have partnered with the Merlin Law Group to provide extra insight on the importance of hurricane coverage. Anthony Pinot of Merlin Law Group stated, “as The Policyholder’s AdvocateTM, Merlin Law Group knows it is essential for policyholders to take the time now to make sure you are prepared for hurricane season and are not caught off guard. Merlin Law Group has created guides specifically for assisting policyholders in preparing for hurricane season. For residential policyholders, they have a Hurricane Checklist with tips on safeguarding your home and reviewing your insurance policy. They also have a Condominium Hurricane Preparedness Guide for multi-family properties.”

In conclusion, as industry leaders, we’re committed to supporting you not just as policyholders, but as individuals seeking security and recovery after a hurricane. Premier Claims is here to guide you every step of the way. For a complimentary policy review, fill out the form below. Your peace of mind is our ultimate goal.

 

Prepare Before the Storm

Being Hurricane Preparedness Week and with hurricane season quickly approaching, it is important you and your family are prepared by planning ahead. To prepare before the storm, we suggest focusing on four areas: Hurricane information & evacuation plan, strengthening your home & business, updating & reviewing your insurance policy, and stocking your supplies.

Hurricane Information & Evacuation Plan

If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is critical that you have a list of ways you can get trusted hurricane information readily available. We suggest bookmarking National Weather Service, Ready and national news outlets on your mobile devices for immediate access to information. In addition, social media can be a great source of real time updates — Join the latest Facebook group for the named Hurricane to receive multiple updates from various sources. 

For your safety, planning a general evacuation plan and knowing alternative routes can save you time and stress when a hurricane strikes. When a hurricane is approaching, make sure you communicate your evacuation plan with someone else outside of the storm’s path. 

Corner business with windows boarded up

Strengthen Your Home & Business

Take a walk around your home and your business and look at areas that may be vulnerable in the event of a hurricane. Trimming trees regularly can help prevent excessive broken branches that can cause damage. Minimizing the number of outside loose items, such as patio furniture & recreational equipment, will reduce the amount of time you need to properly secure the items prior to the storm hitting. In advance, we recommend having the necessary materials to board up any windows to protect them from flying debris. 

If you have not had your roof or property inspected in the past 12 months, we recommend having a contractor or public adjuster confirm the structural integrity of your roof and home. The inspection will include photos and documentation of the current condition of your home. Should your home experience damage during a hurricane, the inspection documentation will be crucial evidence in getting your home back to its prior condition. We offer free home inspections — Give us a call today to schedule!

Update & Review Your Insurance Policy

We recommend having your insurance policy reviewed by a third party for a detailed review of coverage. Flooding is the leading cause of damage from hurricanes and many policyholders in hurricane prone areas are not required to have this coverage. In addition, your insurance policy may outline specific preparation steps that are required in order to ensure damages are covered. Our team of legal experts provide free policy reviews and will outline any gaps in your current coverage, and what steps must be taken prior to the storm hitting per your policy. If you’d like to have your policy reviewed — Contact us or send your policy to info@premier-claims.com.

Prepare before the storm Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Stock Your Supplies

Waiting until the hurricane is announced to stock your supplies could put you at risk of being unable to obtain the emergency supplies you need. According to Chuck Duncan, a Florida Ace Hardware employee in a local interview with CBS 4 News, says it is normal for residents to wait until the announcement before they head to the stores for supplies: “Usually within a few days after it comes out that it [the hurricane] is coming this way, they start coming in.” 

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. However, once a hurricane is announced, there is a mass surge of people going to stores and supplies are limited. We recommend gathering supplies early in the season in May or June prior to a potential hurricane hitting land. You can be prepared by including the following:

For a full list of items you may need, you can find a checklist here: Download Checklist

Hurricanes are costly and can cause damage hundreds of miles from the shore. Being prepared ahead of time can be critical for your safety and recovery after the hurricane. Continue to follow us this week for more information and resources to prepare for this upcoming hurricane season!

Additional Resources

Florida Disaster
CDC Preparing for a Hurricane
National Weather Service Hurricane Plan