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Hurricane season in the Atlantic basin runs annually from June 1 to November 30, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is a 60% probability of 2025 being an above-normal season. The NOAA predicts six to nine hurricanes this year, with three to five turning into major storms.

While Florida is a common target for hurricanes, it is far from the only state affected. Residents along the eastern coast and in the Gulf states should be prepared for the possibility of hurricane damage to their property. Part of that preparation involves having the right insurance coverage.

“It’s really important for policyholders to work with multiple insurance agents,” says Candise Shanbron, managing partner of Cernitz Law in Miami. Agents may work with different insurers, each with their own unique coverage options.

Here are the key things to know to protect your home and finances this hurricane season.

There is no such thing as hurricane insurance

If you are a new resident of a hurricane-prone area, you may be surprised to learn that you can’t actually buy hurricane insurance. That’s because it doesn’t exist. Instead, hurricane protection comes through your homeowners policy by adding a windstorm endorsement, separate hurricane deductible or even a separate windstorm policy, depending on your state.

But here’s the catch — if you don’t have the right coverage in place, hurricane damage might not be covered at all.

“You have to go through your policy to see if there are any limitations to coverage when it comes to hurricanes,” Shanbron advises.

Even if a policy is sold as “all-risk,” it may include exclusions for hurricane-related damage. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print and speak with your insurance provider to understand exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. 

Wind and water pose the biggest threats to your home

When a hurricane hits, damage typically comes from two sources: wind and water. Wind damage is often covered by a standard homeowners policy, but some policies may include exclusions or require a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible.

Make sure any coverage details — especially those related to hurricane or wind damage — are clearly stated in your policy documents.

“If it doesn’t exist in writing, it doesn’t exist at all,” Shanbron says. Verbal assurances from an agent or insurance representative are not a guarantee of coverage.

Even if your homeowners policy covers wind damage, it won’t pay for flood-related losses. “[Homeowners policies] don’t cover damage from storm surge,” according to Steve Gaer, president of Recoop Disaster Insurance, a company that makes lump sum payments to policyholders after a disaster.

Water damage can go beyond a storm surge, though. Hurricane Helene provided a stark reminder of that in 2024 when it caused historic rainfall and flooding in North Carolina, hundreds of miles away from where the storm made landfall.

You’ll need multiple policies for comprehensive coverage

Because a homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood water damage, you will need to have additional coverage to ensure your property is fully protected from a hurricane.

“(Homeowners) definitely want to make sure they have two insurance lines,” says Tyler Ardron, executive vice president of Floodproofing.com, a company that provides products and design solutions to prevent flood damage.

Here’s a look at what homeowners should consider on top of their standard home insurance policy:

Flood insurance

While homeowners insurance may cover other types of water damage — such as damage from rainwater — it doesn’t cover damage from floods.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency designates floodplains, and lenders may require flood insurance for property owners within those areas. However, you can buy flood insurance even if you aren’t in a FEMA-designated zone. Average annual costs may run from $1,200 to $3,000, Ardron estimates.

Supplemental insurance

Having a supplemental disaster insurance policy may also make sense if you live in an area prone to natural disasters. Recoop plans are available to anyone with an underlying homeowners policy, and they will make a lump sum payment of $5,000 to $25,000 within 48 hours of a homeowner incurring $1,000 or more in damage. Gaer says a $10,000 policy has an average cost of $400, but premiums depend on where you live. This coverage is not available for mobile or manufactured homes.

Sewer or water backup

This common post-storm problem usually requires a special endorsement — and it’s not included in most basic homeowners or flood insurance policies. You’ll need to add this if you want coverage for backed-up drains, toilets, or sump pump failures after heavy rain or flooding.

Debris removal and tree damage

Not all policies automatically cover the cost of removing fallen trees or storm debris, especially if they haven’t damaged a structure. Check your coverage limits or ask your insurer if this is included.

Temporary living expenses (loss of use)

Most standard policies include some coverage for hotel stays and meals if your home becomes uninhabitable — but limits vary widely. Make sure you know what’s covered, for how long, and at what reimbursement rate.

Hurricane deductibles are typically assessed as percentages

Insurance deductibles represent your share of a claim. For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and your claim is for $20,000, the insurer will pay $19,000.

However, deductibles for hurricane-related damage are often assessed as a percentage rather than a flat amount. Five percent is a standard deductible, according to Ardron, who advises homeowners to consider how much that percentage represents and whether they are comfortable with that amount.

“In Florida, it’s mandated that the percentage be shown as the actual number,” Shanbron says. Even if the deductible is a percentage, a policy must list a dollar amount so homeowners understand the extent of their financial responsibility.

Because of the number of hurricanes that pass through the state, Florida’s laws regarding hurricane insurance coverage are comprehensive. They dictate what deductibles may be offered and when they may be applied. Other states may have their own requirements.

“The challenge that everyone is seeing is not only the cost (of insurance) go up but also the increase in the deductible,” Gaer says. As a result, Gaer says Recoop sees some of its clients purchasing disaster insurance coverage specifically to cover their deductible.

Home updates can earn you money-saving mitigation credits

Advances in homebuilding materials and technology can improve a property’s ability to withstand a hurricane. Making property updates can also result in an insurer offering mitigation credits to lower the insurance policy’s cost.

Home features and updates that could result in mitigation credits include the following:

  • Storm shutters
  • Hurricane-impact windows and doors
  • Impact-resistant shingles and protective coating on a roof
  • Flood barrier systems
  • Raising a home
  • Bringing an older home up to current building code standards

For residential properties, Ardron estimates that mitigation credits could shave 5% to 15% off the cost of a flood insurance policy and 5% to 25% off wind coverage. For commercial properties, the savings could be even higher.

You may have to use an insurer of last resort

Homeowners in some hurricane-prone areas may find they have few options as insurance companies look to stem losses and pull out of certain markets. In that case, they may need to look to an “insurer of last resort.”

“Each state might have a catastrophic fund for those who can’t find coverage elsewhere,” Shanbron says.

For instance, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association offers wind and hail coverage to property owners who can’t obtain insurance on the private market. Meanwhile, the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association provides coverage to eligible homeowners in the coastal areas of Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Buying insurance from a catastrophic fund or an insurer of last resort is rarely cheap, but it is better than having no insurance protection for your property should a hurricane hit. 

What to do now to make sure you’re protected for hurricane season

Don’t wait until a storm is approaching — take these steps now to make sure your home and finances are hurricane-ready:

  • Review your homeowners insurance policy. Make sure wind damage is covered and that your hurricane deductible is clearly listed. If you’re not sure what’s included, ask specific questions about hurricane-related exclusions and make sure any coverage you have is listed in your policy.
  • Get flood insurance — even if it’s optional. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. You can buy a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Keep in mind that there’s usually a 30-day waiting period for NFIP policies before coverage takes effect.
  • Consider sewer and water backup coverage. This optional add-on to your homeowners insurance policy provides coverage if heavy rain or flooding causes water to back up into your home through sewers or drains — which isn’t covered by standard homeowners or flood policies.
  • Tree and debris removal coverage. Storms can take down trees and scatter debris. Homeowners policies often have separate (and limited) coverage for this — a good reminder to check your limits.
  • Wind vs. named storm deductibles. In hurricane-prone areas, policies may include different deductibles for wind damage, named storms, and hurricanes. Understanding how each applies can help you avoid surprises after a storm.
  • Consider supplemental disaster coverage. Supplemental insurance can help cover high deductibles, temporary living expenses and gaps your standard policies don’t touch. It’s a small cost that can make a big difference when disaster strikes.
  • Ask about mitigation credits. Upgrades like hurricane shutters, wind-resistant roofing or flood barriers may lower your premiums. Ask your insurer what improvements qualify and if you’re eligible for savings.
  • Document your property now. Take photos or videos of your home’s exterior, interior, and valuables. Store this documentation in the cloud or another safe place — it will help you file claims faster and more accurately.
  • Don’t go it alone. Work with a trusted insurance agent who understands your local risk and can walk you through the coverage you need — especially if you’re new to a hurricane-prone area.

With the right insurance and preparation, you can safeguard both your home and your finances before the next storm hits.

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Maryalene LaPonsie

 
  

Insurance expert Maryalene LaPonsie has been writing professionally for 25 years, with the past decade focused on personal finance -- insurance, investing and retirement. She is a regular contributor to U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor, USA Today Blueprint and Money Talks News.

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