When you think of Florida, pleasant thoughts of warm sunshine, gentle waves, and palm trees probably come to mind. People from across the country often vacation in Florida to unwind from the stress of everyday life.
Local residents will tell you, however, that it only takes a few minutes for a beautiful day to turn dark, stormy, and dangerous during hurricane season. (June 1-November 30) Being a resident of Florida means being prepared for hurricane season.
Most homeowners have property insurance which includes coverage should their home be damaged or destroyed by a hurricane. It is important to review your policy from time to time. Insurance companies often try to cover the least amount of damage possible. If your property suffers extreme damage, it may be hard to recover the cost of damages from your insurance company without legal assistance.
What is and isn’t covered by property insurance policies?
Property insurance plans in Florida usually cover hurricane damages caused by:
- Wind and strong gusts
- Hail
- Heavy rain
- Tornadoes.
The one thing they do not cover is flooding. This is problematic for hurricane season given that 98% of Florida residents live in coastal areas where many properties are damaged due to flooding. In order to protect your property from floods and extreme water damage, property owners must purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
You may need assistance with your hurricane damage claim
Depending on the details of your policy, you may find yourself stuck with a high deductible that doesn’t cover much. If your home or condominium has been significantly damaged in a hurricane and your insurance company isn’t willing to pay you enough to cover the damages, consider seeking assistance from someone who is experienced in the legalities of property insurance.