Due to the fact that we are in the middle of hurricane season, it is important to check over your insurance and make sure you are covered in the event that a storm hits. While there is no specific “hurricane” insurance, homeowners insurance can provide coverage. However, there are certain things this does not cover. Continue reading below to learn more and contact an experienced Florida hurricane claims attorney for further assistance.
What Does Hurricane Insurance Not Cover?
There are a few things that hurricane insurance does not cover in the event of a storm. This can include the following:
- Wind damage: Individuals who live in hurricane prone areas may not receive coverage. If your insurance policy does not cover wind damage, you may need to purchase a separate windstorm insurance policy.
- Flooding: Many insurance policies do not cover flooding, whether you live in a hurricane zone or not.
- Mudslides: If a hurricane created a mudslide that damaged your home, this will most likely not be covered by insurance. However, it may be possible to receive coverage for a “mudflow” if a flood brings mud into your home.
- Power failure: In one-off situations where your house lost power but nobody else did, an insurance policy may cover this. However, if your entire town lost power due to a hurricane, you may not be covered.
Can I Purchase Additional Insurance?
While homeowners, or “hurricane,” insurance may not cover a variety of damages that may take place due to a hurricane, it is possible to purchase additional insurance. A common add on to homeowner’s insurance is flood insurance. Insurers in the U.S. pay out billions each year for flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) stated that more than half of flood insurance policies are in three states, one being Florida. However, there are certain things even flood insurance does not cover:
- Damage from moisture, mildew, or mold that the homeowner could have prevented
- Money and valuable papers
- Belongings outside a home, such as trees, plants, walkways, decks, fences, pools, etc.
- Temporary housing if the home is inhabitable
Separate windstorm insurance can also be bought. The cost of this insurance can vary by location and risk. The annual average cost for windstorm insurance in coastal Florida is $2600. Most wind-related claims are due to roof damage, as windstorm insurance covers exterior parts of the home and detached structures, such as garages or sheds.
Contact our Firm
To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.
