Hurricane Preparedness Week: Day 4 - Get An Insurance Check-up

Mexico Beach, Fl after CAT 5 Hurricane Michael

#15,956

The only thing worse than losing your home to a hurricane is finding out - after the fact - that your insurance won't cover your loss.  Sadly, too many people find out too late, that their coverage wasn't adequate. 

Day 4 of NOAA's National Hurricane Preparedness Week is all about getting the right insurance before hurricane seasons starts.

Get An Insurance Checkup

Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

• FLASH Insurance Guide: If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered?
• Find available coverage at floodsmart.gov

The current upswing in hurricanes has, unfortunately, increased property losses in heavily impacted areas. As a result, insurance rates here in Florida have risen markedly over the past several years (see Sarasota Herald Tribune Homeowners face rate hikes for property insurance). 

Nevertheless, it is a big gamble to go into hurricane season underinsured.