Florida residents may have heard that forecasters are predicting an active tropical storm season. To protect themselves financially, it may be worthwhile to purchase hurricane and flood insurance. Flood insurance is required for a person who lives in a storm zone if he or she is using a government-backed loan to purchase it. While homeowners’ insurance policies may cover some damage caused by a storm, it may be best to purchase hurricane insurance.
In many cases, insurance companies will stop providing coverage once a storm has been named. Therefore, it is best to buy it as soon as possible to ensure that a property is protected. Coverage prices depend on where a person lives as well as the level of coverage desired. If someone doesn’t have hurricane insurance, it may be possible for him or her to apply for disaster aid from FEMA. Assistance is generally available if a property is located in a dedicated disaster zone.
FEMA will provide up to $33,000 per household, and the money can be used to make repairs or pay for a place to live. Residents in an area with the potential to be impacted by a hurricane may need to buy separate flood insurance policies for their homes and their businesses. The FEMA website can offer more information about the specifics of buying coverage.
Property owners who experience window or roof damage in a hurricane may benefit from filing hurricane damage claims. If a claim is denied, an attorney may help a person obtain compensation to make needed repairs to a home. This may occur by appealing an insurance company’s decision or applying for aid through FEMA. Local charities or other relief groups may also offer assistance to those in need after a major storm causes damage to their properties.