Hurricane Season 2025: Is Your Insurance Policy Ready?

🌪️ Florida’s hurricane season doesn’t just test your home it tests your insurance policy. Every year, homeowners discover too late that their coverage is incomplete or unclear. Before the next storm hits, here’s how to review and prepare your policy to protect your property and your peace of mind.

🧾 1. Review Your Core Coverage

• Does your policy cover wind and water damage?

Some policies exclude flood damage or require a separate hurricane endorsement.

• Do you have flood insurance?

Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding. You’ll need a separate policy, often through the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).

• Does your policy include “loss of use”?

This coverage pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable.

• Check for Coverage B and Coverage C

• Coverage B – Other Structures: Protects detached structures like sheds, fences, and guest houses.

• Coverage C – Personal Property: Covers belongings such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances.

Recently, we closed a claim where the homeowner received $13,000 under Coverage C for personal property losses proof that this coverage matters.

💸 2. Understand Your Hurricane Deductible

• In Florida, most policies include a special hurricane deductible, typically 2%–10% of your insured value.

• Example: If your home is insured for $300,000 and your deductible is 5%, you’ll need to pay $15,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in.

• Try to keep your deductible as low as possible.

While higher deductibles may reduce your premium, they can create serious financial strain when filing a claim. This is often where problems arise homeowners are surprised by how much they must pay before the insurer contributes. A lower deductible can make a big difference when it matters most.

📸 3. Document Your Property Before the Storm

• Take photos and videos of every room, roof, windows, fence, pool enclosure, appliances, and recent upgrades.

• Save receipts, invoices, and appraisals for major items or renovations.

• Store everything digitally (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to keep it safe and accessible.

• After the storm, make a list of all personal items that were damaged or lost. Include descriptions, estimated values, and any supporting documentation. This will help you file your claim under Coverage C – Personal Property and avoid delays or disputes.

  
  

📞 4. Keep Key Contacts Handy

• Your public adjuster

• Your policy number and effective dates

• A digital and physical copy of your policy

  
  

🛠️ 5. Perform Preventive Inspections

• Check your roof, windows, doors, and drainage systems.

• Make minor repairs now to avoid major losses later.

• Keep records of maintenance: before-and-after photos, receipts, and contractor info.

  
  

🧠 6. Know Your Rights as a Policyholder

• You have the right to request a full copy of your policy.

• You can hire a licensed public adjuster to represent you during the claims process.

• Your insurer must respond within legally defined timeframes

📣 Is Your Policy Hurricane-Ready?

Trust Claims Consultants is led by licensed public adjusters with years of experience helping Florida homeowners navigate complex insurance claims.

📲 Call us today or schedule your free inspection and policy review. Don’t wait until the storm is on the radar to protect your home and your peace of mind now.

This article was written by Sergio Antonio Mora, a licensed Public Adjuster in Florida (License No. G024380). With years of experience advocating for homeowners and navigating complex insurance claims, Sergio is committed to educating and empowering communities across Florida.