Prepare Now: Tallahassee Residents Urged to Review Hurricane Insurance

Tallahassee, Florida, USA - As June rolls in, so does the annual hurricane season, a time when Floridians are reminded to prioritize their safety and preparedness. With expectations of an active season featuring up to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 predicted to become hurricanes, insurance experts are raising alarms about the importance of reviewing and understanding home insurance policies.

Carl Fuqua, owner of Fuqua Insurance in Tallahassee, advises homeowners to take a close look at their insurance policies. He emphasizes that while homeowners insurance is essential, it often falls short in hurricane coverage. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flooding, necessitating a specific flood insurance policy, which may take up to 30 days to activate. “Don’t wait until a storm is knocking at your door,” Fuqua cautions, highlighting the urgency of securing flood insurance in advance.

Understanding Coverage

It’s crucial for homeowners to realize that coverage during hurricane season is not a one-size-fits-all approach. According to NerdWallet, homeowners might need separate coverage not only for flooding but also for wind damage. For those living in coastal areas, windstorm insurance is increasingly recommended to protect against potential losses from strong winds and storm surges. Renters, too, need to be savvy; while their policies may cover wind damage, flood protection often requires an additional safety net.

As Fuqua points out, a comprehensive auto insurance plan is also vital during hurricane season. It should include coverage to protect against damages caused by storms, be it from fallen trees or rising floodwaters. Generally, comprehensive auto insurance policies come with deductibles ranging between $500 and $1,500, depending on the extent of coverage.

Financial Implications

The financial aspect is also worth noting. Based on data from NerdWallet, the average American can expect to pay about $3,009 annually for a combination of homeowners and flood insurance. To break it down further, annual homeowners insurance ends up being about $2,110 per year, while flood insurance hovers around $899. For renters, the average insurance policy costs about $148, and similar to homeowners, flood insurance may begin at around $100 per year.

Moreover, given the current climate situation, even those living inland should consider flood insurance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects severe weather events to hit parts of Florida that traditionally might not have experienced flooding, making flood coverage an essential safeguard for all homeowners, regardless of their proximity to the coast. After all, history tells us that hurricanes like Helene have made their mark far beyond coastal lines, leading to unexpected flooding in inland regions as well.

In these crucial early weeks of the hurricane season, don’t underestimate the power of preparation. Whether you own a home, rent, or drive a car, now is the time to ensure that you are adequately covered against the various threats posed by hurricanes. Take advantage of resources, compare rates, and most importantly, make your insurance decisions early. There’s something to be said for being well-prepared!