We are in the middle of what appears to be a very busy hurricane season. It is important that you take every precaution possible to protect your family and your property. In addition to the usual preparations you should take during an oncoming storm, the staff at J.P. Perry Insurance wants you to consider the insurance aspects of a storm's impact.
Before there is a storm on the horizon, you need to evaluate your homeowners' policy to make sure you have adequate coverage because insurance companies will not write policies when a hurricane watch is in place.
For property in Florida, your policy most likely will have a hurricane deductible, which varies depending on your particular requirements. Your insurance protection against storm damage my also require additional coverage that includes flood insurance and windstorm coverage. In reviewing your policy you need to consider the following:
- Check your policy limits and make sure the amount is enough to rebuild your home;
- Understand your hurricane/windstorm deductibles;
- Understand what disasters your policy covers and doesn't cover;
- Determine the value of your possessions;
- See if your policy provides for additional living expenses.
Your agent at J.P. Perry Insurance will be glad to review your policy to determine if your current coverage is enough to provide you with full protection. In addition, the J.P. Perry staff recommends you take the following preparations:
- Photograph or video the inside and outside of your home;
- Photograph or video the possessions in your home;
- Keep these photos, along with any of your important documents, such as your insurance policies, in a bank safe deposit box or in a waterproof safe in your home;
- Have your policy number and your insurance company claims contact information easily accessible during the storm;
- Visit FEMA.gov for additional information on how to prepare yourself financially for a storm.