Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?

The intensity and frequency of hurricanes and tropical depressions has been increasing, specifically in areas like Florida that are more prone to storms. Hurricanes have had their way with the state over the years, wreaking havoc and leaving thousands of homeowners devastated and looking for answers. Hurricanes like the recent Hurricane Helene can leave those affected asking “What’s next?” 

Luckily, there is insurance to help protect homeowners from such disasters. Homeowners insurance can be a safeguard for many, but filing a claim and understanding what is covered by your policy can be an intimidating process.  

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

While it may seem like homeowners insurance is a one-stop solution and will cover any and everything damaged in a hurricane, this is not usually the case. In reality, policies have an array of limits that could disqualify you from all the help you may need. Typical claims such as damages due to fire, theft, and certain types of water damage are traditionally what is covered by homeowners policies. When it comes to natural disasters, though, there are typically misconceptions on what exactly is covered.

Wind from hurricanes can present itself as quite a problem for Florida homeowners. A lot of the property damage faced from hurricanes is due to wind, and while covered by most homeowners policies, it may be a more costly fix than you’d think. Deductibles can be incredibly high on wind damage claims, especially in states like Florida. This can add another layer of worry, especially if you are also facing water damage. 

Flooding caused by Hurricanes can not only be destructive, but the damages are likely not covered by your homeowners policy. A separate Flood insurance policy is needed if you incur water or physical damage to your home due to flooding caused by a hurricane or storm. A combination of Flood and Homeowners policies are best suited to protect your home from hurricane or storm damage as neither individually encompasses both wind and flood damage. 

What Is and Isn’t Covered?

When it comes to hurricanes, it’s essential to understand what your homeowner’s insurance will—and won’t—cover. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Wind Damage: This type of damage is often covered under the standard homeowners policy. If your home is in a hurricane-prone area like the Florida Panhandle or Big Bend area, you may be subject to a higher deductible. This could lead to more out-of-pocket costs than one might anticipate with insurance.
• Flood Damage: Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding, even if the flooding is caused by a storm or hurricane. In a state like Florida, where storm surges and heavy rain can easily cause floods, it’s absolutely necessary to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Without it, any water damage resulting from rising flood waters won’t be covered.
• Storm Surge: Coverage for storm surges lies within another gray area. Storm surges can be the cause of intense damage to your home, but they are typically classified as flooding and won’t be covered by the common homeowner’s policy. The importance of a flood insurance policy in protecting your home against the full strength of a storm cannot be understated. 
• Debris and Cleanup: The debris leftover after a storm or hurricane can present itself as quite the issue. Cleaning up this debris can be a burdensome and costly endeavor. Some homeowners policies might cover the cost of removing debris, but a vast majority of them do not include thorough cleanup. Don’t get stuck with the responsibility of clearing your yard and dealing with fallen trees or other storm-related debris, understand these coverage details and be prepared when hurricane season hits.

Hurricane Insurance: Is It Necessary?

For Floridians, the answer is a staunch yes. Standard homeowners policies can provide some protection, but often need additional wind or storm coverage to provide you with the necessary protection in the event of a hurricane. Seeking out Flood insurance is also strongly recommended. Thousands of dollars in repairs could be the cost of not having the proper insurance to protect from storms.

The recent actions of Hurricane Helene are bound to leave thousands of Florida property owners scrambling to fix their homes and livelihoods. Those who only have basic homeowner’s insurance will quickly realize that their coverage wasn’t enough to handle the full extent of the wind and flood destruction. In storm hot spots like Florida, this is increasingly common due to the frequency of hurricanes and how intense the storms can be.

Deductibles in high-risk areas like Florida’s coastlines are often higher for hurricane-related claims. In some scenarios, deductibles can be calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and your hurricane deductible is 5%, you’re looking at paying $15,000 out of pocket before your insurance even kicks in.

Being properly insured when a storm rolls around can not only save your home, but thousands of dollars in costly repairs and deductibles.

Flood Insurance: A Must for Florida Residents

Flood insurance is non-negotiable coverage for Florida homeowners. Water damage caused by floods and storm surges can be destructive to homes. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes sure homeowners are completely covered by providing flood damage coverage to residents in high-risk flood areas and states, like Florida. This 

The current aftermath of Hurricane Helene offers a blunt reminder of just how important flood insurance is. In the wake of the storm, areas like the Florida Pan Handle and Big Bend saw devastating flood damage from storm surges and heavy rains. Homeowners who do not have flood insurance will be left to foot the bill for costly repairs, with many will be unable to afford rebuilding.

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Conclusion

Hurricanes and storms are inevitable for Florida homeowners, but that doesn’t mean they should be unprepared to face them. Learning and understanding what your homeowner’s insurance policy  covers—and more importantly, what it doesn’t—can be the difference when it comes to protecting your home and finances. From wind damage to the often overlooked threat of flooding, having the right insurance coverage can make a world of difference after a storm.

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