The protection you need for hurricane insurance isn’t in one specific policy. Instead, separate policies can protect your home against hurricane damage. For example, a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover flooding. Rather, you may be able to buy flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or your insurance company.
Many homeowners choose home insurance, flood insurance and other endorsements, such as sewer backup and windstorm coverage, to give them flood protection. The insurance you select should be enough to cover the costs of rebuilding your home and replacing any damaged possessions.
To help you recover from a hurricane or damaging storm, you may want to include these policies:
Homeowners insurance can protect your home’s structure from certain aspects of storm damage. There are specific exclusions, so be sure to speak with your agent.
Additional living expense (ALE) coverage—If a covered incident occurs and destroys your home, you will need to live somewhere else. Fortunately, homeowners, renters and condo insurance policies usually include coverage for other living expenses, which is essential. If you experience significant hurricane loss, you may need more than standard ALE coverage.
Flood insurance usually offers protection from flooding, storm surges and wind-driven water.
Sewer backup is an endorsement that can be added to your homeowners policy and offers invaluable protection since sewer backups are common with hurricanes.
Florida has 3.5 million people at risk of coastal flooding. You may also consider purchasing separate windstorm insurance, covering damage from any strong wind, not just hurricanes.