Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and on Amelia Island the peak months are late summer into fall. The best time to review your insurance is before a storm has a name, because once a hurricane threatens the area, most insurers stop writing new policies or changing coverage until it passes.
Use this checklist to make sure your coverage is ready.
1. Know your hurricane deductible
Most Florida homeowners policies carry a separate hurricane deductible, usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage such as 2%, 5% or 10%. On a home insured for $400,000, a 5% deductible means you'd pay the first $20,000 of a hurricane claim. Find the number on your declarations page and make sure you could cover it.
2. Confirm you have flood insurance
Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, including storm surge. Most flood policies through the National Flood Insurance Program have a 30-day waiting period, so coverage bought when a storm is already in the forecast won't help. If you don't have flood insurance, now is the time to get a quote. Read more in our guide, Do you need flood insurance in Fernandina Beach?
3. Check your dwelling coverage amount
Building costs have risen sharply in recent years. If your dwelling limit hasn't been updated, it may not be enough to rebuild your home. Ask us to review your replacement cost estimate.
4. Review loss of use coverage
If your home is uninhabitable after a covered storm, loss of use (additional living expenses) coverage helps pay for a hotel or rental. Check your limit and keep receipts if you ever need to use it.
5. Make a home inventory
Walk through your home with your phone and record video of every room, opening closets and drawers. Photograph serial numbers of electronics and appliances. Save the files to cloud storage so they're safe if your home is damaged.
6. Store your policy information safely
Keep digital copies of your policies, your agent's phone number and your insurance company's claims line somewhere you can reach from your phone. If you evacuate, you'll want them with you.
7. Get credit for your home's wind protection
Hurricane shutters, impact windows, roof straps and other upgrades can lower your premium, but only if your insurer knows about them. A wind mitigation inspection documents these features.
After a storm
Take photos of all damage before making repairs, make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage, keep receipts, and report your claim as soon as possible. Call us at (904) 807-4554 and we'll help you through the process.
This article is general information, not a substitute for your policy documents. Coverage varies by policy and carrier.