GWR Insurance Group, a Gainesville, Florida insurance agency (License L136942), put together this checklist to help Florida households review coverage before a storm.
Review your policy before a storm is named. Once a hurricane threatens, insurers often stop writing new coverage or changes in the affected area until it passes.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center. Review coverage in the spring, not in August.
Florida home policies usually carry a separate hurricane deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Under Florida law, the hurricane deductible applies on an annual basis to covered hurricane losses during the calendar year (for policies with the same insurer), not separately to each storm. Check the percentage on your declarations page.
Home policies exclude flood. National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, so buy early.
Take photos or video of every room, your roof and your belongings, and store copies plus your policy documents in the cloud.
Know your evacuation zone and build a disaster supply kit. The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center publish free planning guides.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, keep receipts, photograph damage before cleanup, and report your claim promptly.
When is hurricane season in Florida? June 1 through November 30, per the National Hurricane Center.
Can I buy coverage when a storm is coming? Often not. Many insurers pause new policies and changes once a storm threatens. Review coverage early.
Sources: National Hurricane Center · Florida Statutes §627.701 (hurricane deductibles) · FEMA: NFIP waiting period · Florida Division of Emergency Management
GWR Insurance Group LLC is a Florida insurance agency (License L136942) at 2950 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. Tyler, our owner, lives in Nocatee and serves St. Johns County personally. Call (352) 378-3395 or email tyler@gwrinsurancegroup.com. Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Related: Florida home insurance · Guide: Florida flood insurance explained · Guide: New homeowner insurance checklist · Our Gainesville office
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