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Executive Order for Policyholder Payments
As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, many homeowners in hurricane-prone regions are asking an important question: Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage? Understanding your coverage before the storm hits can save you from costly surprises after disaster strikes. While standard homeowners insurance does provide some protection, there are key limitations and specifics to be aware of to ensure your home and belongings are properly protected.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for wind damage caused by hurricanes. This means if your roof, windows, or siding are damaged by hurricane-force winds, your policy will likely help cover repairs or replacement. Coverage also generally extends to damage caused by flying debris and falling trees due to windstorms. Additionally, many policies cover additional living expenses if damage forces you to temporarily leave your home. Allstate, Omarocha Law.
A critical gap in many homeowners policies is flood damage, which is typically excluded. Flooding from storm surge, heavy rain, or rising waters during a hurricane usually requires a separate flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurance. Without this, costly water damage to your home’s foundation, flooring, and personal property may not be covered. Allstate, Omarocha Law.
Another limitation many homeowners don’t anticipate is the hurricane deductible, which differs from your regular deductible. Often calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value ranging from 1% to 10%, hurricane deductibles can result in higher out-of-pocket expenses when you file a claim. Arbol.
To prepare for hurricane season and avoid surprises, check the following:
Review Your Policy Limits: Make sure your dwelling coverage reflects the current cost to rebuild your home, not just its market value. Construction and material costs can fluctuate considerably, especially after major storms.
Understand Your Deductibles: Know your hurricane deductible percentage and prepare accordingly. Higher deductibles in coastal regions are common and can significantly affect your finances in a loss.
Add Flood Insurance: If you live in a flood-prone or coastal area, consider purchasing flood insurance through the NFIP or a private insurer, since typical homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Check for Exclusions: Read your policy to identify specific exclusions or limitations, such as coverage caps on personal property, sewer backup, or damage to detached structures.
Assess Personal Property Coverage: Personal belongings inside the home are usually covered, but limits may apply for valuables like jewelry or electronics. Consider additional endorsements if needed.
Prepare Documentation: Gather receipts, photos, and home records before the season. This documentation can speed claims processing after hurricane damage.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be above average with up to 17 named storms, including 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes (Category 3+), according to NOAA and independent forecasters (NOAA). This increased storm activity combined with rising sea levels means even inland flooding events are more likely, intensifying potential losses. Arbol, Burns & Wilcox.
At the same time, insurance markets are changing. Many carriers have pulled back from high-risk coastal areas or are raising premiums and deductibles. Reviewing your coverage early with an industry professional can ensure you are neither underinsured nor paying unnecessarily high premiums.
Don’t wait for the hurricane warnings to start thinking about insurance. At Club Agency, we understand the complexities and changing landscape of hurricane season coverage. Our expert team is ready to review your current homeowners insurance policy, help identify coverage gaps, explain deductible details, and provide recommendations for flood insurance and other essential protections.
Contact us today for a comprehensive insurance review to make sure your home and belongings are fully protected before the next storm hits. You can also give us a call at (866) 784-9785.
No. Most standard policies exclude flood damage. Separate flood insurance is necessary to cover water damage from storm surge or heavy rainfall.
It’s usually a percentage-based deductible calculated on the insured value of your home, not a fixed dollar amount, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs during claims.
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover tree damage to your home or other insured structures caused by wind or storms.
Review your policy limits, understand deductibles, add flood insurance if needed, and document your property. Early review with an insurance professional is highly advisable.
