Although home insurance policies go into effect immediately upon the insurance company issuing the policy, most insurance companies won't write a policy within 48 hours of an expected hurricane. So, if a storm is on the way and you aren't already covered, you may have to wait 48 hours. With windstorm insurance, you will be covered after 15 days. If a hurricane hits your home before that time, you probably won’t be covered. After you purchase flood insurance, you'll be covered in 30 days. Secure all coverage well in advance of any approaching storms. In fact, you probably should lock up all of your coverage a month or more before hurricane season begins. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms can – and have – formed before and after those dates.