Hurricane Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know

In Florida, hurricanes are a common and significant threat, making it essential for homeowners and businesses to have proper insurance coverage. Hurricane insurance typically isn’t a standalone policy but is included as part of your **homeowners’ insurance** or through additional coverage like windstorm insurance. Here’s what it covers and why you might need windstorm insurance.

What Does Hurricane Insurance Cover?
Hurricane insurance is designed to protect property owners from the damage caused by hurricanes. Coverage can vary based on your policy and location, but it generally includes:

1.Wind Damage
 Covers damage to your home’s structure caused by high winds, such as broken windows, roof damage, or destroyed walls.

2.Water Damage

– Covers damage from rain that enters your home due to wind damage (e.g., through a broken roof or window).
– Note: Flooding caused by storm surges is not covered by standard homeowners’ policies. You’ll need separate flood insurance for this.

3. Personal Property
– Protects your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, from hurricane-related damage.

4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, your policy may cover the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses.

related to hurricanes.

It typically covers:
– Damage to your home’s structure, roof, and exterior.
– Detached structures, like garages or sheds.
– Personal belongings damaged by wind.

Hurricane Deductibles
In Florida, most insurance policies include a hurricane deductible, which is separate from the standard deductible. This deductible is often a percentage of your home’s insured value, ranging from 1% to 5%. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and your deductible is 2%, you’d pay $6,000 out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.

Why You Need Both Hurricane and Windstorm Insurance
Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes means having comprehensive coverage is critical. Without windstorm insurance, you may be left paying for costly repairs after a storm. Additionally, pairing hurricane coverage with flood insurance ensures you’re protected against both wind and water damage.