Wind and water combine to form hurricanes that wreak havoc on our homes and in our community. Living near the coast makes it imperative to have proper home insurance coverage in advance and then know how to support claims following a storm.
Water is typically the culprit when it comes to hurricane damage. Unfortunately though, flooding caused by surges or water often isn't covered under standard home insurance. A separate flood insurance policy needs to be purchased. If you live in a flood prone area and have a mortgage it could be a federal requirement for you to own flood insurance. Don't wait to buy until a storm is approaching as many companies require a 30 day waiting period.
Coastal homes often carry a hurricane deductible on the insurance policy. Other deductibles have a set dollar amount but hurricane deductibles are a percentage of the home's value. Take a $300K dollar home for example. If it has a 5% deductible the homeowner must pay $15,000 before the policy will pay anything. This is applicable when a home is destroyed or damaged by a hurricane. Call your insurance agent to determine if you have a hurricane deductible.
Following a hurricane, as suggested by www.Todayshomeowner.com, the following steps should be taken:
1. Photograph and document damage
2. Conduct emergency repairs
3. Secure home inventory
4. File a claim asap
5. Secure safe lodging
Remember that recovery takes time following the devastating losses associated with hurricanes. If you are prepared and plan in advance, putting your home back together will go so much smoother following the storm.
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