Preparing for Hurricane Season: Essential Insurance Checks for Coastal Homeowners

With the official start of hurricane season on June 1, the risks for coastal homeowners are real and rising. This year’s above-average number of storms, as predicted by seasonal hurricane forecasts, further underscores the urgency. While preparing your property is crucial, ensuring your coastal home insurance is ready to withstand the storm is equally essential. Now is the critical moment to take action.

Coastal properties face unique exposures. Wind damage, storm surge, and flooding can cause catastrophic losses. Yet many homeowners don’t realize their policies may have critical gaps until it’s too late. 

Early preparation is essential. Start with these key insurance checks to safeguard your home and financial security before hurricane season arrives.

Review Your Coastal Home Insurance Policy Limits

Your insurance policy should reflect your current reality, not your home’s value from five years ago.

• Recognize that building costs have increased. Make sure your dwelling coverage matches local construction costs.
• Assess coverage for other structures. Don’t overlook detached garages, fences, or guesthouses.
• Update after renovations. Improvements like a new roof or an addition should be documented and covered.

Check for Flood Insurance Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, yet floods are the most common and costly hurricane-related peril.

A separate flood insurance policy is required and available through the NFIP or private providers. Policies often have a 30-day waiting period, so early action is crucial. Confirm your flood zone and risk level to determine the proper coverage.

Learn more about how your insurance may or may not cover coastal erosion.

Understand Your Windstorm and Hurricane Deductibles

It’s crucial to be knowledgeable about your coverage deductibles. It’s not just about having coverage; it’s also about knowing the details to make informed decisions. 

In hurricane-prone areas, policies often have separate deductibles for named storms or wind damage. These deductibles are percentage-based, typically 1% to 5% of your home’s insured value — meaning a $500,000 policy with a 5% hurricane deductible could result in a $25,000 out-of-pocket bill. Knowing this figure allows you to plan or adjust coverage as needed.

Contact our team to review how your policy addresses windstorm and hurricane deductibles.

Update Your Home Inventory

An up-to-date inventory makes filing a claim easier, faster, and more accurate.

• Document everything. Use photos or videos to record your belongings.
• Include serial numbers and receipts for high-value items.
• Use digital tools or apps to organize and store your inventory securely.
• Store your inventory documentation in the cloud or off-site.

This step can save hours of stress when it matters most.

Review Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage

If your home becomes uninhabitable, ALE helps pay for temporary living arrangements.

• Review your policy’s ALE limits. Ensure they reflect your area’s real-world hotel, rental, and meal costs.
• Understand what expenses qualify for reimbursement and how long the benefit lasts.
• Consider potential evacuation scenarios when calculating your needs.

Schedule an Annual Policy Review With Your Agent

Your best resource is a trusted advisor who knows coastal risks and how to cover them. An annual review can uncover coverage gaps or cost-saving opportunities. Life changes — new purchases, renovations, or even local zoning updates — can all impact your coverage needs.

At Dickstein Associates Agency, we have specialized in customizing coverage for coastal homeowners for nearly 60 years. Our dedicated team of experts will assist you in selecting the appropriate coverage now to avoid unforeseen circumstances later.

Act Early

Once a storm is named, it’s often too late to change your policy. Reviewing your coastal home insurance now ensures peace of mind when the skies darken. Thorough preparation brings reassurance in the face of uncertainty. 

Don’t wait. Contact Dickstein Associates Agency to schedule your coastal insurance review and prepare confidently for the season ahead.

About Dickstein Associates Agency

We recognize the significance of providing a protective shield for your home. At Dickstein Associates Agency, we work closely with homeowners to tailor policies to their specific requirements using a variety of customizable dwelling coverages. We’ll review your options for acquiring the most appropriate homeowners insurance for your needs. Contact us today!