Living in Florida comes with its share of perks—sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. But it also means preparing for hurricane season each year. While no one can control the weather, taking the right steps can minimize potential damage and ensure that your insurance coverage is in place if disaster strikes.
Part 1: Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
When a hurricane is on the horizon, the key to protecting your property and family is preparation. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re ready for the storm.
1. Secure Your Home
- Install Storm Shutters: Protect windows and glass doors from flying debris.
- Reinforce Garage Doors: Ensure your garage door is braced or reinforced to withstand high winds.
- Trim Trees and Bushes: Reduce the chance of branches or trees falling onto your property during strong winds.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in lawn furniture, grills, and any loose objects that could become projectiles.
- Check Roof and Gutters: Ensure your roof is in good condition, and gutters are clear to prevent water damage.
2. Create an Emergency Kit
- Water and Food: At least three days of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person, per day.
- First Aid Supplies: Include prescription medications and over-the-counter items.
- Flashlights and Batteries: Have plenty of extra batteries for flashlights and radios.
- Tools and Supplies: A basic toolkit, duct tape, and plastic sheeting for quick repairs.
- Important Documents: Store insurance policies, identification, and financial records in a waterproof, fireproof container.
3. Establish an Evacuation Plan
- Know your local evacuation routes.
- Plan where you’ll stay if you need to leave your home, whether it’s with family, friends, or in a shelter.
- Have a communication plan in place to keep in touch with family members.
4. Backup Power Sources
- Generators: If possible, invest in a portable or home generator to maintain power during outages.
- Fuel: Stock up on fuel for generators, chainsaws, and vehicles, but store it in approved containers in a safe place.
5. Document Your Property
- Take photos or videos of your home, including the interior and exterior, to document its condition before a storm hits. This will be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim afterward.
Part 2: How to Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage for Wind and Storm Damage
Having a hurricane plan is just the first step. Protecting your finances is equally important. Many homeowners don’t realize that their standard homeowners’ insurance may not cover everything in the event of a hurricane. Here’s how to ensure you’re properly covered against wind and storm damage:
1. Understand Your Policy
- Homeowners Insurance: Most policies will cover some hurricane-related damage but may exclude flood damage. Understand the limitations of your current plan.
- Windstorm Coverage: In many areas, including coastal parts of Florida, windstorm coverage might be a separate policy or rider. Make sure you have this in place, as wind damage can be extensive during hurricanes.
- Hurricane Deductibles: Many policies in Florida have a separate deductible for hurricane-related claims, which may be higher than your standard deductible. Ensure you know the amount and plan accordingly.
2. Don’t Forget Flood Insurance
- Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage. Given Florida’s low-lying geography, flooding is a significant risk during hurricanes. You’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
3. Ensure Sufficient Coverage
- Reevaluate Your Home’s Value: Property values fluctuate, and the cost of rebuilding may be higher than when you initially purchased your insurance. Make sure your coverage limits are enough to fully rebuild your home if necessary.
- Consider Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable, ALE coverage helps pay for temporary living costs like hotel stays or rental homes while repairs are made.
4. Work with a Trusted Insurance Agent
- One of the most effective ways to make sure you’re fully covered is by working with an experienced insurance agent. Dimmitt Insurance can review your existing policies, assess potential gaps in coverage, and recommend the appropriate amount and type of coverage for your specific needs.
5. Regular Policy Reviews
- Even if you think you’re covered, it’s crucial to review your insurance policies annually. This ensures that you’re up to date on any changes in your home’s value, your coverage needs, or new state laws related to storm preparedness.
Preparing for tropical storm and hurricane season involves more than just securing your property. It’s also about ensuring you have the right type and amount of insurance to protect your finances. By following a comprehensive hurricane checklist and reviewing your insurance coverage, you can face the season with greater peace of mind. If you have any questions about your current policy or need to update your coverage, contact Dimmitt Insurance today for expert advice and assistance.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and make sure you’re covered!
