As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Central Florida, safety must be everyone’s top priority. With meteorologists predicting significant devastation, it’s essential to not only prepare for the storm’s immediate impact but also ensure that your insurance is ready to protect you from the aftermath. In times of crisis, safeguarding lives comes first, but once the storm has passed, financial protection will be crucial to rebuilding.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand how your hurricane insurance coverage works and what you need to do now to make sure you, your family, and your property are safe when Hurricane Milton makes landfall.
Prioritizing Safety Before Hurricane Milton Hits
When it comes to hurricanes, the number one priority is ensuring that you and your loved ones are out of harm’s way. Property can be repaired or replaced—lives cannot. Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Follow Evacuation Orders: If local authorities issue evacuation orders, don’t hesitate. Pack essential documents, medications, and personal belongings, and head to a safe location.
- Secure Your Home: If you’re staying in place, make sure your property is as secure as possible. Board up windows, secure loose items outside, and reinforce your doors. Avoid last-minute errands that could leave you stranded or exposed to dangerous conditions.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have enough water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and medications to last at least 72 hours. Include flashlights, batteries, and a hand-crank radio to stay updated on weather conditions.
Once you’ve taken all the necessary steps to keep yourself safe, it’s time to ensure your insurance will help you recover once the storm passes.
Understanding Your Hurricane Insurance: What’s Covered and What Isn’t?
In Florida, protecting your home or investment property from hurricanes like Milton involves understanding a few key components of your insurance policy. With widespread devastation expected, you don’t want to be caught off guard by gaps in your coverage.
- Wind Damage: Standard homeowners or commercial property insurance typically covers damage caused by hurricane-force winds. This includes structural damage to roofs, windows, and walls.
- Flood Damage: Here’s a critical point—flood damage from storm surge or excessive rainfall is not covered by standard policies. If you haven’t already secured a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer, now is the time to do so. However, note that most flood policies take 30 days to go into effect, so last-minute purchases won’t offer immediate protection.
- Hurricane Deductibles: Florida policies typically have a special hurricane deductible, which can range from 1% to 10% of your property’s insured value. If your property sustains damage, you’ll be responsible for paying this amount before your insurance kicks in. Make sure you know your deductible and have funds set aside for this.
Immediate Steps to Take for Insurance Safety
Even though your immediate focus should be on personal safety, preparing your insurance and property in advance will ensure a smoother recovery after the storm. Here’s how to stay protected:
- Review Your Insurance Policy: Contact your insurance company to confirm what’s covered under wind damage and what your hurricane deductible is. If you don’t have flood insurance, ask about private options or get a quote from the NFIP, even if it won’t cover Hurricane Milton—future storms are always a risk in Florida.
- Photograph Your Property: Take detailed photos and videos of your home or rental property before the storm. This documentation will be essential when filing a claim if there is extensive damage. Store these in a cloud service or email them to yourself for safekeeping.
- Document Personal and Business Assets: If you’re a real estate investor or business owner, document your assets. For rental properties, make sure tenants are aware of their responsibilities, and ensure they have a plan to stay safe during the storm.
- Make Sure You’re Ready for the Deductible: Many homeowners are unaware of how large their hurricane deductible can be. Check your policy, and be financially prepared to cover this cost should your home sustain significant damage.
What Happens After Hurricane Milton?
Once the storm has passed and the immediate danger has cleared, you’ll need to shift your focus to recovery. Here’s what to do after the storm:
- Check for Safety Hazards: Once it’s safe to return to your property, be cautious. Look for hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural instability. Avoid standing water, which may be contaminated or electrically charged.
- File Your Insurance Claim ASAP: Contact your insurance company as soon as you can to report any damage. The sooner you file a claim, the faster you’ll get assistance. Remember, after a major hurricane like Milton, insurance companies will be handling a large volume of claims, so early reporting is key.
- Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage: If it’s safe to do so, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering holes in the roof or broken windows. Keep receipts for all materials, as these expenses are often reimbursed.
Common Hurricane Insurance Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underestimating Flood Risk: Just because you’re not in a designated flood zone doesn’t mean you’re safe from flooding. Hurricane storm surges can cause major flood damage miles inland.
- Forgetting About the Hurricane Deductible: Many homeowners don’t realize their policy has a higher deductible for hurricanes. Know this number and be ready to cover it in case of severe damage.
- Ignoring Evacuation Orders: Your safety is more important than any insurance policy. No amount of insurance can replace lives lost due to staying behind in dangerous conditions.
Conclusion
While Hurricane Milton brings with it the threat of devastating damage, the safety of you and your family is paramount. Once you’ve secured your home and evacuated to safety, turn your attention to your insurance policies. Be sure your coverage is up to date, and that you understand your hurricane deductible and flood protection. In the aftermath, quick action and proper documentation can make the difference between a smooth recovery and months of financial strain.
Stay safe, Central Florida, and remember: preparing now is the best way to protect your future.
