Jeffrey Wade
Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to homes and property, and the aftermath can be devastating for communities. Homeowners' insurance typically covers hurricane damage, but it's important to understand what your specific policy covers and what type of damage is included. Documenting the damage with photos and videos is crucial for filing a claim, and temporary repairs may be necessary to prevent further issues. Understanding your deductible and policy limits is also important, as you may need to pay a certain amount out of pocket before insurance payments kick in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do before a hurricane | Take pictures and videos of your house |
| What to do after a hurricane | Document the damage, make temporary repairs, and take pictures before making those repairs |
| Filing an insurance claim | File a claim as soon as possible, review your policy, and document all communication with the insurance company |
| What is covered by insurance | Homeowner insurance policies typically cover wind and general damage from hurricanes, but flooding is covered under a distinct type of flood policy |
| Deductibles | A deductible is a predetermined amount that a policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company starts covering the remaining costs of a claim |
| Supplemental claims | It is common to discover hidden damage once the contractor begins repairs, so a supplemental claim can be added to the original claim |
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Documenting damage
Take Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone or camera to capture comprehensive visual documentation of all the damage to your property. Take clear and detailed photos and videos from multiple angles, ensuring you cover all affected areas, including both the exterior and interior of your home. If possible, it is ideal to have “before” photos and videos that can be compared with the “after” visuals to show the extent of the damage. However, if you don't have "before" documentation, focus on capturing the current state of the damage extensively.
Include All Damaged Areas: Don't overlook any areas of your property when documenting damage. Besides the easily noticeable damage, make sure to inspect and document less trafficked areas, such as the attic or basement. Water leaks or structural issues may not always be immediately apparent, so a thorough sweep of your entire home is crucial.
Make Temporary Repairs: Before an insurance adjuster assesses your property, you may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This could include putting up a tarp over a damaged roof or covering broken windows to protect the interior from the elements. Take photos and videos of the damage before making these temporary fixes, as insurers often require visual documentation of the initial damage.
Keep Records and Receipts: Documenting damage goes beyond just photos and videos. Keep detailed records of all communication and correspondence with your insurance company, including emails, letters, and phone calls. Additionally, save all receipts related to repairs, temporary lodging, and any supplies purchased to mitigate the damage. These receipts may be important for reimbursement purposes.
Understand Your Policy: Before filing your claim, take the time to thoroughly review your insurance policy. Understand what types of damage are covered and what your specific responsibilities are as the policyholder. Homeowner insurance policies typically cover wind damage and general damage from hurricanes, but flooding usually requires a separate flood insurance policy. Knowing what is covered will help you effectively document and claim the relevant damages.
Act Quickly and File a Claim: Once you have thoroughly documented the damage, it's important to act swiftly and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the faster you are likely to receive a payout. Contact your insurance company, report the damage, and initiate the claim process. Keep in mind that your insurance company typically has a timeframe within which they must acknowledge, review, and decide on your claim.
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Understanding coverage
Homeowner insurance policies typically cover wind and general damage from hurricanes, including damage to the interior of a building or to property inside a building caused by rain, snow, sleet, hail, sand, or dust. However, it's important to note that flooding is covered under a separate flood policy. Flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.
It's crucial to review your insurance policy thoroughly to understand what type of damage is covered and what isn't. For example, wind damage to your roof or additional living expenses incurred while you were unable to live in your home may be covered. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but many charge separate wind deductibles, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs.
In the case of a total loss or destruction of your home, your insurance company will typically pay out the policy's dwelling coverage limit, which should reflect the cost of rebuilding your home. Ensuring your dwelling coverage is sufficient to cover rebuilding costs is essential.
Additionally, if you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, flooding damage to your car may be covered. However, be cautious when buying a used car after a hurricane, as vehicles with flood damage may enter the market, posing safety risks.
It's also important to be aware of your deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance payments kick in. If the damage is minimal and inexpensive to repair, it may not be worth filing a claim, as your premium could increase.
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Filing a claim
Filing an insurance claim after a hurricane can be a daunting task, but there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth process. Here is a guide to help you navigate the claims process and receive the compensation you deserve.
Documenting the Damage
Before filing a claim, it is essential to thoroughly document the damage caused by the hurricane. Take photographs and videos of your property, capturing both the exterior and interior damage. Include areas of the home that may not be easily visible, such as the attic or basement. These visual records will serve as valuable evidence when making your claim. Additionally, keep a detailed record of any costs incurred due to the hurricane, such as evacuation costs, temporary housing, and business interruption expenses.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Take the time to carefully review your insurance policy. Understand the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Homeowner's insurance typically covers wind damage and general damage from hurricanes, but flooding usually requires a separate flood insurance policy. Be aware of your deductible, as making a claim for minor damage may not be worthwhile if it results in an increased premium. If you're unsure, consider consulting an insurance agent or attorney to clarify what your policy covers.
Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
It is crucial to initiate the claims process as soon as possible. Contact your insurance company or agent immediately to report the damage. The sooner you begin the process, the faster you are likely to receive a payout. Be responsive and provide them with the information and access they need to assess the damage.
Temporary Repairs and Record-Keeping
Before an adjuster visits your property, you may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Ensure you take photos and videos before making these repairs. Keep all receipts for any supplies purchased for repairs, as these may be reimbursed by your insurance company.
Explore Additional Assistance
In addition to your insurance claim, explore other sources of assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers grants for home repair or replacement for eligible applicants. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also provides grants for hurricane survivors. Furthermore, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans to renters, homeowners, business owners, and non-profits affected by disasters.
Remember, each situation is unique, and the claims process may vary depending on your insurance provider and the extent of the damage. Stay organized, keep detailed records, and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if needed.
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Deductibles
A hurricane deductible is the amount of money you must pay toward a hurricane-related loss before your insurance company starts to pay. This deductible replaces your regular deductible and is laid out in your insurance policy. It is important to be aware of your deductible because if the damage to your home is minimal and inexpensive to repair, it might not be worth filing a claim as your premium could rise.
The amount of the deductible is usually calculated as a percentage of a home's insured value or coverage limit, though it can also be a fixed dollar amount. The typical hurricane deductible is 1% to 5% of the home's insured value, though policies in some vulnerable coastal areas can see deductibles as high as 10%. For example, a hurricane insurance deductible of 5% for a home with $300,000 of dwelling coverage requires the homeowner to pay the first $15,000 of insured damages. This differs from a standard homeowners insurance deductible, which is a fixed dollar amount that applies to other types of claims.
In some states, including Rhode Island, hurricane and windstorm deductibles are capped at 5%. Whether or not you'll pay a hurricane or windstorm deductible depends on your state's or insurance company's definition of a trigger event, which is outlined in your insurance contract. It's important to review the hurricane insurance details in your homeowners insurance policy, as well as the relevant state laws, to understand when the deductible applies and how many times it can be applied in a calendar year.
In Florida, for example, the hurricane deductible applies only if the windstorm damage occurs during a hurricane that has been named by the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service. Florida law also states that policyholders should always file claims, even when the cost to repair the windstorm damage is less than the hurricane deductible. This ensures that the insurance company has a record of the amount of credit that should be applied towards the deductible for any subsequent windstorm claims resulting from a hurricane in the same calendar year.
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Temporary repairs
Documenting Damage
Before making any temporary repairs, it is crucial to document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photographs and videos of all the affected areas, including parts of the home that may not be frequently accessed, such as the attic. Water leaks, for instance, may not be immediately noticeable but can cause significant issues over time. This documentation will be essential when filing an insurance claim and can help expedite the process.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Review your insurance policy thoroughly to understand what type of damage is covered. Standard homeowner's insurance policies typically cover wind and general hurricane damage, but flooding usually requires separate flood insurance. Understand your deductible and whether filing a claim is worthwhile, as frequent claims may lead to increased premiums. Contact your insurance agent if you need clarification on your coverage.
Temporary Tarping and Roofing Repairs
Insurers often recommend temporary measures, such as putting up tarps, to prevent further damage to your property. Temporary tarping can last a few months, providing a short-term solution while more permanent repairs are organised. If your roof has sustained severe damage, you may need to engage roofing professionals who can address structural issues and ensure a solid surface before applying any temporary coverings.
Clean-up and Debris Removal
After a hurricane, it is important to clear any debris and remove potential hazards, such as downed power lines. Be cautious when dealing with electrical lines and always follow instructions from local authorities. Assess the damage to your property and determine what can be fixed temporarily before more permanent repairs are carried out.
Using Resilient Materials
When making temporary repairs and considering long-term restoration, opt for stronger and more resilient materials that can help protect your home from future hurricanes and disasters. This includes using flood-resistant flooring, interior walls, exterior cladding, and resilient openings and framings.
Remember, temporary repairs are just that—temporary. They are meant to prevent further damage and provide a short-term solution while you organise more permanent repairs. It is important to act quickly and efficiently, engaging professionals when needed, to ensure a swift recovery process.
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Frequently asked questions
Document the damage with photos and videos, and take precautionary measures to prevent further damage. You should also review your policy to understand what's covered and what your responsibilities are.
If your home is deemed a total loss, your insurance company will typically pay out the policy's dwelling coverage limit. This amount should reflect the cost of rebuilding your home. You will still be responsible for mortgage payments, but your mortgage lender may offer temporary relief options.
Homeowner insurance policies typically cover wind damage and general damage from hurricanes, but flooding is covered under a separate policy. Auto insurance may cover flood damage if it includes comprehensive coverage.
