Hurricane insurance in Florida isn’t typically a standalone policy but a combination of coverages designed to protect homeowners, landlords, and condo owners from hurricane-related damages. Given Florida’s high hurricane risk, understanding how this coverage works is crucial.
What Hurricane Insurance Covers
Hurricane insurance typically includes:
- Windstorm Damage– Covers damage caused by hurricane-force winds, including roof damage, broken windows, and structural destruction. Please remember that standard homeowners or condo insurance policies in Florida may exclude or limit windstorm requiring separate windstorm insurance policy.
- Water Damage (Limited)– Covers rain damage caused by wind-driven rain entering the home but does not cover storm surge or flooding (which requires separate flood insurance).
What Hurricane Insurance Does Not Cover
- Flood Damage– Hurricane insurance will not cover flooding caused by storm surges or heavy rainfall. You need a separate flood insurance policy to have coverage for these issues.
- Mold & Gradual Damage– Water damage may lead to long-term deterioration of the property or generate mold growth. If water damage causes these issues, insurers may not cover it.
- Evacuation Costs– Most hurricane insurance policies do not provide coverage for temporary relocation because of a mandatory evacuation.
Florida’s Hurricane Deductible
Most Florida policies include a hurricane deductible. Especially in coastal areas at high risk of being impacted by a hurricane.This deductible is different from the standard homeowners insurance deductible. This deductible typically:
- Ranges between 2% to 10%of the home’s insured value.
- The coverage only kicks in when the National Hurricane Center names the hurricane. Tropical storms and depressions do not activate insurance coverage.
Other Information About Hurricane Insurance
Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida. Because Florida has more coastline than every other state, we are succeptible to damage caused by these massive storms. No place in the state is immune from the impact of a hurricane.The cost of a hurricane policy can be pricey (depending on where you live), but you can do some things to reduce that cost.
- Strengthen Your Home– If you install features such as storm shutters, impact windows, and reinforced roofing, you may be eligible for a policy premium discount.
- Pay a Higher Deductible– If you are willing to raise your policy’s deductible—the amount that you pay before your insurance kicks in—you may be able to lower your premiums.
Protection from a hurricane is not a typical stand-alone policy. Usually it is a patchwork of coverage designed to protect you from most damage caused by hurricanes. For this reason working with an experienced Florida insurance expert is essential to ensure that you are adequately protected when a hurricane strikes.
Let the Mizrahi and Garris Insurance Agency Inform You About Hurricane Coverage Options
When looking for hurricane insurance, why should you choose Mizrahi and Garris? Consider these reasons:
- Hurricane Insurance Experience–We have written many policies designed to provide protection against most hurricane damage. We understand the hurricane insurance policies needed for coverage and how to implement them.
- Over 20 Years of Local Insurance Experience—We’ve been protecting our Jacksonville area insurance clients, including customers in the 32034, 32080, 32081, 32082, 32084, 32085, 32223, and 32259 zip codes (and surrounding areas) in good times and bad. We know the area inside and out and the challenges our customers face.
- Excellent Google Reviews—Don’t take our word for it. Check out the Google Reviewsfrom our satisfied customers.
- Fantastic Insurance Agents–We are not just insurance agents. We are your personal insurance consultants. We inform you through the insurance quoting process, advocate for you during the claims process, and support you with the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.
- Independent Insurance Agency–As an independent insurance agency, we can work with many insurance providers to find the best flood insurance for your needs.
- Free No-Obligation Insurance Quote–Connect with us for a free, no-obligation flood insurance quote. We’ll help you find a protection plan perfectly customized to your needs. Give us a call at (904) 262-9202 or click the “Free Quote” to talk to an insurance expert today.