During hurricane season, local roofing contractors like us will never tire of reminding homeowners about homeowners’ insurance. We are, after all, homeowners too and we know the benefits of knowing the ins and outs of your insurance coverage in the event of a hurricane. In this blog, CQ Construction shares important things you should know about hurricane damage coverage.
The Four Main Categories
A standard homeowners’ policy typically covers four main categories:
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Your dwelling, or the house structure itself.
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Detached units such as a shed or garage.
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Personal property.
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Living expenses, in the event you get displaced.
Personal property is generally limited to a percentage of the insured amount of the dwelling, with some insurers providing coverage up to 70%. It is possible to tweak the coverage, however, this will increase your premiums.
Hurricane Deductible
Insurers in coastal states may include a “hurricane deductible” on top of your standard deductibles. It can range from 1% to 5% of the insured value of the home’s structure and is usually indicated on the front of the policy and/or on the declarations page. Make sure you take this into account when estimating the potential out-of-pocket cost of roof repairs.
Flood Insurance is Not Always Included
Flooding from a hurricane is generally not covered by a standard homeowners’ insurance policy and will have to be purchased separately. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program to property owners in flood-prone areas.
Regular Documentation Can Help Streamline the Claims Process
Make it a point to take photos and videos of your home’s exterior and interior at least every six months. This helps document the state of your home, its contents and if there were repairs and renovations made. This gives your insurance adjuster reference material when assessing the extent of the hurricane damage. Keep contracts, receipts and related documentation and keep a digital copy on a cloud-based account so you can access it with any device. The more detailed the documentation, the faster the claim can be processed.
CQ Construction is your leading provider of roof inspection, repair and installation services. Give us a call at (850) 634-4007 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Crestview, FL, and surrounding areas.