Understanding Your Policy Before the Storm Is the Only Way to Protect Yourself After It
The worst time to read your homeowners insurance policy is after your roof is lying in your neighbor's yard. Most policyholders have only a vague understanding of what their insurance covers — and insurers are acutely aware of this.
The Coverage You Need (and Often Don't Have)
Named Storm Deductible — The Hidden Number
Standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage from hurricanes. However, most coastal policies now include a separate Named Storm Deductible that is dramatically higher than your standard deductible — typically expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value: 1%, 2%, 5%, or even 10%. On a home insured for $300,000, a 5% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $15,000 out of pocket before insurance covers anything.
Check your Declarations Page today. Look for the words 'Hurricane Deductible' or 'Named Storm Deductible.' The percentage is often buried in fine print — and many homeowners are shocked by this number after a storm.
Flood Insurance — Critical and Completely Separate
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding from storm surge, rising water, or inland flooding associated with a hurricane. Flood insurance is a completely separate policy, purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurers. NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period — you cannot purchase flood insurance after a storm is named. If you're in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), flood insurance is typically required by your mortgage lender.
Coverage Types at a Glance
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Included in Standard Policy? |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Damage | Roof, siding, windows from hurricane winds | Yes, with Named Storm Deductible |
| Flood / Storm Surge | Rising water, storm surge, inland flooding | No — requires separate NFIP or private policy |
| Additional Living Expenses (ALE) | Hotel, rental housing, meals while displaced | Usually yes — check limits and duration |
| Ordinance/Law Coverage | Cost to bring repairs up to current building code | Not always — add as endorsement |
| Replacement Cost vs. ACV | Full replacement vs. depreciated value | Depends on policy — replacement cost is better |
The Claims Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Document damage before touching anything. Walk through your entire property and take date-stamped photos and video of every damaged area before any cleanup or repairs begin.
Step 2: Report the claim immediately. Call your insurance company's claims line as soon as it's safe to do so. Most policies require 'prompt notice' — delays can give insurers grounds to question the claim.
Step 3: Make temporary emergency repairs. You are entitled to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage (tarping a roof, boarding windows) without voiding coverage. Keep all receipts. Do NOT make permanent repairs until the adjuster has assessed the damage.
Step 4: The adjuster inspection. You have the right to be present during the inspection. Take notes and photos of everything the adjuster examines. The adjuster's estimate is a starting point — not the final word.
Step 5: Negotiate or hire a Public Adjuster. If the settlement offer is inadequate, you can hire a licensed Public Adjuster to negotiate on your behalf, or invoke the appraisal process outlined in your policy.
Your Rights as a Policyholder
You have the right to a complete copy of your policy, to dispute the adjuster's findings in writing, to invoke appraisal for disputed value claims, to hire a Public Adjuster or attorney at any point, and to file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance if your claim is handled in bad faith.
Florida: Department of Financial Services — 1-877-MY-FL-CFO. Louisiana: Department of Insurance — 1-800-259-5300. Texas: Department of Insurance — 1-800-252-3439.
Document everything. Respond in writing. Know your policy before the storm. Track active storms with our Live Storm Tracker and sign up for free storm alerts for your state.