In nearly all of the United States, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. This means that prime time to insure your home is between December 1 and May 31. Flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period, and insurance policies will not issue coverage when a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the NWS.

In most states, homeowners policies cover wind damage, but in some states you will need a separate windstorm policy. Windstorm insurance does not cover flood damage. That’s a separate policy. Federal flood insurance has lower limits than private flood insurance, but is easier to get.

Your dwelling insurance is the maximum your insurance company will pay for damage to the structure you live. You may need separate outbuilding or “other structures” insurance for sheds and detached garages. This coverage is usually limited to 10% of the value of your dwelling, but insurance companies may offer higher amounts for casitas and other rental structures in your yard.

Personal property insurance covers the value of furniture, electronics, clothes, and other things you use every day and keep in your home. It is usually limited to 50 to 75% of the value of the structure itself. Additional expenses insurance covers the cost of staying in a hotel or another rental while you are doing repairs to your property. It is also a percentage of the value of your dwelling.

Usually hurricane insurance does not cover:

• Government action, including demolishing or condemning your home.
• Moving earth, such as mudslides.
• Power surges and power outages.
• Release of sewage or pollutants.
• Corrosion, rot, poor maintenance, and damage by animals or insects.
• Flood damage.

All real estate owners and investors like, Patrick Carroll, should get flood insurance before they need it. And in nineteen states, homeowners will need separate windstorm coverage, for damage to the roof and exterior of the home, not for the force of wind coming through a door, window, or hole the storm makes into the side of the house. Check your homeowners policy to see if it has a separate hurricane deductible in addition to other deductibles for your claim.…