Hurricane season has already started but it’s not too late to protect yourself from losses. First, make sure you have an insurance policy. Many insurance companies have cancelled policies as far north as New York. There are state-run policies in East and Gulf coast states such as Florida and Massachusetts. These typically offer sparse coverage for a high price. Next, determine if your policy still fits you. If you experienced many losses that were not covered in your last policy, you probably need an “all risk” policy, not your former “named perils” policy.
Thirdly, keep a list of all property inside the home with receipts and photographs. You can then prove to your insurance company what your property was actually worth.
You should have basic homeowner’s insurance. This covers rain damage resulting from when rain enters a wind-damaged area, theft, vandalism, and fire. Homeowner’s insurance also typically covers 50% of the value of your personal property inside the home. Most homeowner’s insurance covers “additional living expenses” (ALE) so you can stay in a hotel and eat out while your home is being repaired. The ALE’s are typically equal to 20% of the insurance on the home. Basic homeowner’s insurance should cover wind and hail damage. You should get a separate policy if it does not. If you live in a flood-prone area, you should have flood insurance. Flood insurance covers damage by waves, tides, overflowing rivers or lakes, and groundwater runoff. You can get “excess” flood coverage beyond the usual $250,000 policy. Comprehensive auto insurance covers cars damaged by hurricanes.
You may be able to save money by raising your deductible or buying two types of insurance from the same company. You can also save by buying a home that is more hurricane-resistant, such as a brick home, or taking steps to hurricane-proof your house.
You should look for gaps in your insurance policy. One common gap is the omission of coverage for resulting damage like mold. You should purchase additional coverage for mold if possible.
Finally, you should have a hurricane emergency kit for you and your family. This kit should contain a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, food and water for at least three days, and a can opener. If you prepare well, you should be able to keep track of your information and minimize damages so you can recover quickly.
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