Getting Hurricane Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting hurricane insurance is a crucial step in protecting your home and belongings from the devastating effects of a hurricane. You can purchase hurricane insurance as a separate policy or add it to your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires homeowners to purchase flood insurance if they live in a high-risk flood area, which is often the case in hurricane-prone regions. This is because hurricanes can cause significant flooding, even if the storm doesn't make landfall directly.

Before purchasing hurricane insurance, it's essential to understand the difference between windstorm and hurricane insurance. Windstorm insurance typically covers damage from high winds, while hurricane insurance covers a broader range of damage, including flooding and storm surges.

Research your insurance options carefully to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.

Assessing your risk is crucial when it comes to hurricane insurance. You may be surprised to learn that windstorm coverage is regional, usually along the Gulf Coast and East Coast from Florida to New York. Island residents like those in Puerto Rico or Hawaii may also be required to buy coverage.

Your home's location can greatly impact your risk. If you live in a coastal area, you're more likely to be affected by storm surges, heavy rainfall, and flooding. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tropical cyclones can also produce strong winds, tornadoes, and landslides.

Consider the following factors to assess your risk:

These factors can help you understand your level of hurricane risk and make informed decisions about your insurance needs.

Hurricane damage can occur hundreds of miles inland from where a storm makes landfall, so it's essential to assess your car's risk. Residents on the East Coast, even as far north as Boston, may find their county's hurricane risk classified as relatively high on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hurricane Risk Index score.

To understand your level of hurricane risk, consider the types of weather events produced by tropical cyclones, which include storm surges, heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes, and landslides. These events can cause significant damage to your car.

If you park your car in an enclosed area, you may be more protected from wind damage and other hazards. However, if you park your car outside, it's essential to consider the risks associated with your location.

Here are some factors to consider when assessing your car's hurricane exposure:

By considering these factors and assessing your car's risk, you can make informed decisions about your insurance needs and take steps to protect your vehicle from hurricane damage.

Working with an experienced insurance agent can help you determine a level of hurricane insurance that aligns with your risk of loss. You may need additional hurricane insurance coverage if your homeowners' insurance hurricane coverage doesn't pay claims for certain kinds of losses.

Comprehensive insurance is the main hurricane coverage needed for your car, and you can purchase it separately or as part of a full coverage package. You can obtain quotes to add comprehensive coverage to your policy online and try various deductible options to find the best rate.

Hurricane coverage for your home is more complex and generally more expensive. It's always a good idea to review your home insurance policy to make sure the information is current and active.

To navigate a coverage conversation with your insurance agent, look for the following information in your policy:

You have a few options when it comes to hurricane coverage, and the best one for you will depend on your specific situation. You can add a rider to your homeowners insurance policy with its own deductible, buy a separate windstorm or flood policy, or verify if your master insurance policy has hurricane protection built in.

The cost of hurricane insurance varies greatly, with the median annual cost of flood insurance for single-family homes nationally being $786. However, many times separate wind or flood policies may be cheaper and more effective than homeowners riders, depending on factors like the location and condition of your home.

Here's a rough idea of the average cost of hurricane insurance for different states: StateAverage CostFlorida$9,953Texas$6,970Louisiana$8,767 Keep in mind that these totals don't include additional costs for standalone wind policies or private flood insurance.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you have a few options when it comes to selecting a policy. You can add a rider to your homeowners insurance policy with its own deductible, buy a separate windstorm or flood policy, or verify if your master insurance policy has hurricane protection built in.

Some homeowners may find it easier to buy a rider if their insurer offers it, as it allows you to file claims with one company. If you choose to add a rider, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, including the deductible amount.

There are 15 Atlantic and Gulf Coast states where your homeowners policy may include a separate hurricane deductible. These states include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

A hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of your home's value, such as 1% of $400,000. This means you'll be responsible for $4,000 of the covered loss and your insurer will cover the rest up to your policy limit.

It's essential to evaluate your situation and choose a hurricane deductible that's realistic. A higher deductible reduces your premium, but you'll be on the hook for more out-of-pocket expenses when you need to rebuild or repair your home after a storm.

Here are some states where you may need to consider hurricane insurance, along with a brief description of each:

The cost of hurricane insurance depends on various factors, including your home's construction, windstorm mitigation measures, and age. A wind mitigation inspection can help you reduce your premiums by showing how resistant your roof is to hurricane winds.

The cost of insurance can be a significant factor in your policy selection. The median annual cost of flood insurance for single-family homes nationally is $786, according to FEMA.

This is just one part of the overall cost, however. The total cost of hurricane coverage can range from $5,341 on average to $9,953 in states like Florida, which borders the Gulf Coast.

Your premium also depends on various factors, including your home's construction, windstorm mitigation measures, and age. A wind mitigation inspection can help reduce your home insurance premiums in Florida.

Here are some average costs of hurricane insurance for states bordering the Gulf Coast:

Keep in mind that these totals do not include additional costs for standalone wind policies or private flood insurance.

Standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by wind, including hurricanes, but may not cover flooding. You can buy flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or on the private market.

Most renters policies won't cover flood damage to your stuff, but will pay for wind damage, unless excluded in high-risk areas. If wind damage is a concern, check your policy to ensure coverage.

A standard home policy covers damage caused by heavy winds, such as ripped-off siding or shingles, but may have a hurricane deductible. Flood insurance can be purchased separately to cover water damage.

A standard home policy covers damage caused by heavy winds, so if the heavy winds of a hurricane rip off your siding or shingles, your policy would reimburse you for the damage.

Some policies will also have a hurricane deductible.

For hurricane-vulnerable homes, there are two factors: wind damage and water damage. Either could destroy your home or require significant repairs.

The claims process can be unpredictable, but knowing what to expect can help you navigate it smoothly.

Your insurance carrier will guide you through the process, which may vary depending on the carrier.

Focus on temporary fixes to prevent further damage, allowing your insurance to assess the situation and provide a permanent solution.

Homeowners, be on the lookout for advice from your insurer on do-it-yourself tips to prevent further damage.

They may also provide a list of licensed contractors to help with repairs.

Renter, your landlord is responsible for the building and structure, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.

However, beware of price-gouging contractors and door-to-door scammers.

Always ask contractors for their licenses and insurance credentials to avoid falling victim to fraud.

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage caused by wind, including hurricanes, but may not cover flooding.

Flood damage from a hurricane is an excluded peril in standard homeowners policies, so you may need to purchase a standalone flood policy to cover those gaps.

If you live in a high-risk coastal area, you might need to buy separate windstorm insurance, either through your insurance company or a state-run insurance pool.

Windstorm insurance covers damage from any strong wind, not just hurricanes, and may be required in states like Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

You can also add windstorm coverage as a rider to your current policy, but check your policy to make sure you're covered.

The average flood insurance claim amount is $30,000, and just an inch of floodwater can cause $10,000 worth of damage.

Flood insurance covers water remediation and repairs, and your mortgage lender might require you to have a flood insurance policy if you live in a particularly risky area.

Review your homeowners insurance annually with your carrier to ensure proper coverage for your region. This is crucial, as it may not be enough to cover the damage a hurricane can cause.

Have a plan in place for evacuation, including where to meet and what time, and communicate this with your family members.

To be prepared for the unexpected, have a small bag with essentials like medication, flashlights, and batteries that can last for three days.

Temporary repair equipment, such as a tarp, can be a lifesaver in the event of a hurricane. Make sure you have one on hand.

In between hurricane season, take the time to do some home maintenance. Check for weak points like under sinks, gutters, and shingles, and look for signs of wear and tear around the foundation.

Contact your insurance agent who manages your hurricane policy to ensure you're covered in case of a disaster. They may also manage your homeowners coverage.

If you live in a high-risk hurricane area, you may need to pay a hurricane deductible that's separate from your normal deductible before you can get reimbursed for a hurricane claim.

In 19 states, this separate deductible can be as high as 5% of what your home is insured for, which means you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars out of pocket.

For example, if your home is insured for $500,000, then you could be responsible for paying the first $25,000 for the deductible.

Hurricane deductibles aren't always percentage-based, though - in Florida, you must be given the option of a $500 flat-rate hurricane deductible.

In many cases, a storm declared as a hurricane or a named storm by the National Weather Service triggers this deductible.

If you have a high-value home and you're worried about a hurricane, it's a good idea to keep the funds for the deductible readily available.