Hurricanes pose considerable danger to Florida homeowners. Whether you are purchasing a new home, choosing insurance providers, or considering mortgage options, it would help to understand what your homeowner’s insurance covers regarding storm damage.
Damage under hurricane coverage
Under Florida’s statutes, hurricane coverage applies to loss and damage to residential buildings resulting from windstorms. Windstorms may refer to rain, tornadoes, sleet, and other destructive offshoots of a hurricane.
Hurricane coverage generally includes damage to your house’s interior or any property inside your home. For example, extreme hurricane winds might destroy your house’s walls, allowing snow, hail, wind, or dust to enter and wreak havoc on your belongings.
Damage caused by flooding, however, is typically not part of homeowner’s insurance, even if said flooding resulted from a hurricane.
Hurricane deductible
Your homeowner’s insurance might come with a hurricane deductible. You need to pay this amount to cover losses or damage before your insurance coverage begins. The deductible is often a percentage of your home’s value.
Hurricane deductibles generally apply during named hurricanes for which the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued warnings. They also cover any damage from when the NHC gives the warning until 72 hours after authorities terminate the notice.
Homeowner’s insurance can help you recover from losses that result from a storm. However, it might be too complex an issue for many homeowners and insurance companies may argue that your claim does not fall within your policy’s coverage. Having someone who understands the ins and outs of insurance coverage and law can help you fight a denied claim or low offer.