What will the 2022 Hurricane Season hold? Although the predictions are for a slightly more active than average year, the reality is anyone’s guess. However, there are several things you can do to financially prepare yourself. The first step is to get the best hurricane insurance in Florida!
Get the Right Insurance Coverage Now
Imagine being hit with a storm that damages your home and having to cover the entire expense of repairing and rebuilding on your own. Unfortunately, this happens to many homeowners who procrastinate purchasing their insurance. Here are a few things you should know:
- Most flood insurance does not go into effect until 30 days after purchase
- Many other hurricane-related insurances require a waiting period before going into effect
- Insurance providers cannot sell hurricane-related insurance after the reporting of an active storm
Conduct a Home Inventory
If you have a home inventory, filing a hurricane claim will be much easier. You will have proof of your personal belongings your own and their value. Go through each room of your house and record as much of the following as possible about each item:
- Description
- Photo and/or video
- Serial number
- Purchase date, price, and location
- Receipts
- Warranties
Set Up Online Banking
When a storm causes damage to your home, one of the first things you will need is access to your bank funds. The easiest way to do this when displaced is through online banking and bill pay. If everything is set up in advance:
- Deposits go directly to your account becoming available immediate
- Payments for bills become automatic, and you won’t be charged late fees
- Regardless of your location, you have access to your banking information
Additionally, you should get all your financial, insurance, and personal information gathered together to take with you in case of evacuation. This should include identification, passports, bank account numbers, insurance policies, etc. You might also consider digitizing these items and storing them online.
Get Your Property Ready
Do not wait to prepare your property for a storm. Once a storm is on the way, it is often too late to get the necessary supplies or find the professionals to help you. Some things to consider include:
- Trimming tree limbs
- Cleaning out gutters and drains
- Purchasing and installing hurricane shutters or plywood for windows
- Fortifying your garage door
- Buying sandbags, plastic sheeting, and tarps
Once a storm is on the way, be sure to bring in or tie down items that can fly away in the wind.
Review Your Insurance
You need to be sure that the coverage you have on your home is sufficient. Do your current policies:
- Cover the cost of rebuilding your home?
- Have deductibles you can afford?
- Cover the cost of replacing your belongings?
- Offer enough Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage?
- Cover flood and windstorms?
In addition to all the standard hurricane preparations like having an evacuation plan and putting together a hurricane kit with food and water, Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting understands the need for financially preparing for hurricanes before a hurricane hits. Having proper hurricane insurance in Florida is a major necessity to prevent such financial burdens. Don’t let procrastination make you vulnerable to hurricanes. And remember, if you do have hurricane damage, we are here to help.