For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions, the arrival of hurricane season can bring uncertainty and stress. These powerful storms can cause extensive damage, leaving homeowners to deal with costly repairs and lengthy insurance claims. However, by taking proactive steps to safeguard your property and understanding how your insurance works, you can reduce the risks associated with hurricanes and potentially save on your premiums.
1. Fortify Your Home Against Storm Damage
One of the best ways to protect your property during hurricane season is to strengthen its defenses. Investing in a few home improvements can go a long way in minimizing damage from strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris.
Here are some steps to consider:
- Install Storm Shutters: Adding storm shutters to your windows helps protect against flying debris, which is one of the leading causes of damage during hurricanes. Some homeowners also choose to install impact-resistant windows for additional security.
- Reinforce Your Roof: Make sure your roof is in good condition before hurricane season begins. Reinforcing your roof with hurricane straps or clips can help it withstand high winds. You may also want to consider installing a secondary water barrier to prevent leaks if shingles are blown off.
- Secure Exterior Doors and Garage Doors: Strengthen all exterior doors, especially double doors and garage doors, which can be vulnerable to strong winds. Install bolts, braces, or heavy-duty locks to keep these entry points secure during a storm.
- Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items: Overhanging branches and unsecured outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Trim any large or weak branches near your home and secure patio furniture, planters, and other outdoor items to prevent them from being lifted by the wind.
2. Prepare for Flooding
Flooding is a common side effect of hurricanes, and it can cause significant damage to your property. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. That’s why it’s essential to have a flood insurance policy in place—especially if you live in a high-risk flood zone.
Here are some additional flood preparation tips:
- Elevate Appliances and Electrical Systems: If possible, elevate appliances like your water heater, furnace, and washer/dryer above the base flood elevation. Move electrical systems higher up on the walls to avoid flood damage.
- Use Sandbags and Flood Barriers: In advance of a hurricane, placing sandbags or flood barriers around entry points to your home can help minimize water intrusion.
- Inspect Your Gutters and Drains: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, so they can effectively direct rainwater away from your home. Proper drainage can prevent water from pooling around your foundation.
3. Understand Hurricane Deductibles
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your homeowners insurance policy likely includes a hurricane deductible. Unlike standard deductibles, which are usually a flat amount, hurricane deductibles are typically a percentage of your home’s insured value. This means that after a hurricane, you’ll need to pay a larger out-of-pocket cost before your insurance kicks in to cover repairs.
Here’s how it works:
- Percentage-Based Deductibles: Hurricane deductibles are often 1% to 5% of your home’s insured value. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you’ll be responsible for the first $6,000 in damages before your insurance coverage begins.
- Hurricane Triggers: Hurricane deductibles usually apply only when a storm is classified as a named hurricane by the National Weather Service or National Hurricane Center. Once a hurricane reaches a certain category, your hurricane deductible will be triggered if your home is damaged.
While hurricane deductibles can seem high, they’re designed to help insurers manage the financial risk of widespread hurricane damage. To prepare, consider setting aside an emergency fund that can cover this deductible in the event of a storm.
4. Ensure You Have the Right Insurance Coverage
To fully protect your home during hurricane season, you’ll need more than just a standard homeowners policy. Windstorm and flood insurance are essential in areas prone to hurricanes. Here’s why:
- Windstorm Insurance: While many standard homeowners policies cover wind damage, in some high-risk areas, windstorm coverage may be excluded. In these cases, you’ll need to purchase a separate windstorm policy or endorsement. Windstorm insurance covers damage caused by high winds, which are common during hurricanes. Without it, you could be left paying for significant repairs out of pocket.
- Flood Insurance: As mentioned earlier, standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, is crucial for protecting your home from storm surge and flooding that often accompanies hurricanes. Even if your home isn’t in a high-risk flood zone, it’s worth considering flood insurance, as hurricanes can cause flooding far beyond coastal areas.
5. How Home Improvements Can Lower Your Insurance Premiums
Taking steps to make your home more hurricane-resistant doesn’t just protect your property—it can also lead to lower insurance premiums. Many insurers offer discounts for homes with specific safety features, such as:
- Storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
- Reinforced roofs
- Wind-resistant garage doors
- Elevating your home or appliances above flood level
- Installing a professionally monitored security system
Before hurricane season begins, contact your insurance provider to review your policy. Ask about any available discounts for home improvements that mitigate hurricane damage, and make sure you have adequate windstorm and flood coverage.
Contact John Johnson Insurance Services!
Hurricane season is a yearly challenge for homeowners in storm-prone areas, but with the right preparation, you can minimize the risk of property damage and avoid financial hardship. By fortifying your home, understanding your hurricane deductible, and ensuring you have proper windstorm and flood coverage, you’ll be better equipped to weather the storm—and potentially lower your insurance costs along the way.
Our staff at John Johnson Insurance Services LLC promises a high quality service and experience. If you or someone you know is looking for a talented group of insurance providers in Budd Lake, New Jersey, contact our office at (908) 747-4282!