In recent years, the annual Atlantic hurricane season has brought some of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. In Florida, preparing for hurricane season isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a way of life. The annual Atlantic hurricane season, from June 1st to November 30th, brings the potential for severe tropical storms that can unleash powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and devastating storm surge. These events often lead to significant health risks, severe property damage, and expensive financial ramifications.
At Casey Insurance Companies, we understand the complexities of living in a hurricane-prone state. As the founder of Casey Insurance Group with over two decades of experience, I’ve guided countless Floridians in understanding the critical importance of preparedness and securing the right homeowners insurance and hurricane insurance coverage. By proactively planning and understanding your coverage, you can significantly minimize losses and optimize your recovery in the wake of a storm.
Understanding Hurricane Forecasts & Terminology
How to prepare for a hurricane starts with understanding the language of the storm. Familiarize yourself with these key terms:
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible in your area within the next 48 hours. This is your cue to finalize your preparations.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in your area within 36 hours. This means take immediate precautions to protect life and property, including evacuating if advised.
- Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
- Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph. Tropical storms are named by the National Hurricane Center.
- Storm Surge: An abnormal rise of water generated by the storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. This is often the most dangerous aspect of a hurricane, even for homes not directly on the coast.
Always monitor local news, official government weather channels (NOAA Weather Radio), and reliable online sources like the National Hurricane Center (NHC) or Florida Division of Emergency Management. Adhere to any guidance or evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
Fortifying Your Florida Property
Protecting your home from the physical impact of a hurricane is crucial. Here’s how to prepare for a hurricane in Florida by hardening your property:
- Windows & Doors:
- Cover all windows and doors with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
- Reinforce garage doors, as they are often the most vulnerable point for wind entry.
- Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed and caulked to prevent water intrusion.
- Roof:
- Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles/tiles and make repairs.
- Consider having a professional wind mitigation inspection, which can identify weak points and may even qualify you for homeowners insurance discounts.
- Secure soffits and make sure your roof is properly attached to the walls.
- Yard & Landscaping:
- Trim trees and branches, especially those close to your home, well in advance of hurricane season. Loose limbs can become dangerous projectiles.
- Remove all outdoor items – lawn furniture, trash cans, grills, decorations, toys – and bring them inside or secure them thoroughly.
- Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage away from your foundation.
- Utilities:
- Turn off electricity, water, and gas if you evacuate or if officials advise.
- Charge all electronic devices before the storm.
- Lower refrigerator and freezer temperatures to keep food cold longer during power outages.
Understanding Your Hurricane Insurance in Florida
One of the most critical aspects of how to prepare for a hurricane in Florida is reviewing and understanding your insurance. Many homeowners discover too late that their coverage isn’t what they thought.
Homeowners Insurance vs. Flood Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance: In Florida, standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover wind damage from hurricanes. This includes damage to your roof, windows, and the structure of your home from wind.
- Flood Insurance: Crucially, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. This is a common misconception. Flood damage from storm surge, overflowing rivers, or heavy rainfall requires a separate flood insurance policy, often purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurers. If your home is in a designated flood zone and you have a mortgage, flood insurance is likely mandatory. Even if you’re not in a flood zone, 25% of flood claims come from moderate- to low-risk areas, making it a smart investment for all Floridians.
Understanding Your Florida Hurricane Deductible
This is one of the most important things to clarify with your agent. Unlike standard homeowners deductibles (which are usually a flat dollar amount), hurricane deductibles in Florida are typically a percentage of your home’s insured value.
- Common Percentages: Florida law requires insurers to offer hurricane deductibles of $500, 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage.
- How it Works: If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you would be responsible for the first $6,000 of any hurricane-related damage before your insurance begins to pay.
- When it Applies: The hurricane deductible is triggered when damage occurs during a hurricane, specifically:
- After the National Hurricane Center has officially declared a hurricane watch or warning for any part of Florida.
- Within the 72 hours following the termination of the last hurricane watch or warning.
- Once Per Season: A key benefit is that the hurricane deductible typically applies only once per calendar year (hurricane season), regardless of how many hurricanes impact your home.
- Wind Mitigation Discounts: As mentioned, having wind mitigation features (like reinforced roofs, hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows) can significantly reduce your hurricane insurance premiums by lowering your risk.
Additional Coverages to Consider
- Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses – ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered hurricane loss, this coverage can help pay for temporary housing, food, and other living expenses while repairs are made.
- Contents Coverage: Ensure your personal belongings are adequately insured, either for Actual Cash Value (depreciated value) or Replacement Cost Value (cost to replace new).
- Ordinance or Law Coverage: Helps cover the increased costs of rebuilding your home to current building codes after a covered loss, which can be significantly higher than original construction costs.
Work with your insurance agent to review your policy. Ask questions: Is your coverage limit sufficient? Do you have flood insurance? Are your deductibles manageable?
Conclusion: Ride Out the Storm with Confidence from Casey Insurance Companies
Preparing for a hurricane in Florida is a serious endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these essential preparedness steps and securing the right hurricane insurance and flood insurance coverage, you empower yourself and your family to face the season with confidence.
Get the Right Coverage
At Casey Insurance Companies, we are fully committed to helping homeowners and families in the Plantation, Florida, area, and throughout the US, secure their homes and financial interests with suitable coverage. We understand the unique challenges of hurricane season and are here to help you navigate the complexities of your policy options, including understanding hurricane insurance deductibles and ensuring adequate homeowners insurance protection.
Don’t wait for a storm to be on the horizon. Contact Casey Insurance Companies today to learn more about hurricane preparedness and insurance, get a personalized quote, or compare your existing coverage.
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.
