I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I’m here to tell you that hurricane season starts on June 1st.
That’s correct, June 1st. (Feels like the last hurricane season just ended, right?!)
Just when you are getting into the swing of summer and the weather is finally perfect for backyard barbeques, trips to the beach, and all sorts of other outdoor activities, you need to think about hurricane insurance.
Let’s start with the question I get asked most frequently, “does my homeowners insurance cover any damage caused by a hurricane,” and I’m sorry to say that there is no simple answer,” other than “the best and safest thing you can do is speak with your insurance agent.”
The information you receive must be appropriate to YOUR unique circumstances.
Here's some information to take into consideration:
· Damage to your home because of a hurricane is covered under hurricane insurance if the damage was caused by the wind or trees falling.
· A flood is specifically excluded from hurricane insurance, and you must have flood insurance for coverage.
· With flood insurance, the water must come from “outside” your home and be coming into your home from the ground, either from a body of water or from the ground when it is saturated. The damage must not only impact you, but also neighboring properties.
There’s a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance so if you feel that you need this coverage, you should apply now. By the way, we write the insurance through FEMA as well as private insurance carriers.
Once again, there’s no cookie cutter answer for everyone, and the best advice that I can give in this post is to consult with your insurance broker.
They’ll ask you questions and explain your options and armed with information, you can make the best decision for your unique situation. By doing so, you can be confident that you have the right coverage.
My “general” advice for everyone is, be prepared, not only with your coverage, but make it a point to have the following:
· An emergency go-bag just in case you need to evacuate
· A paper map of your evacuation route that you share with your family
· “Meet up” points should you need to evacuate
· A plan for your pets
· 3-4 days’ worth of food and water in case the electricity goes out
There’s much to learn about global warming and climate change and the impact both have on hurricanes. Whether you’re a believer or not, being prepared is the best action you can take.
I know it can be confusing and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have. Send me a message if I can help.
PS I also welcome phone calls, emails, and DMs on LinkedIn. My team and I look forward to getting to know you.
516-900-1234