Florida readiness

When the storm comes, the paperwork should already be done.

Hurricane season runs June through November. Almost everything that determines how a claim goes is decided before the first watch is issued — which coverage you bought, when you bought it, and what you can prove you owned.

Review my coverage Call (561) 503-2696

Two policies, not one

Wind and flood are different policies. Both matter.

This is the most expensive misunderstanding in Florida property insurance. Your homeowners policy handles wind. It excludes flood entirely — including storm surge.

On your homeowners policy

Wind and hurricane

What it covers

Roof and structural damage from windWind-driven rain entering through a covered openingFallen trees and wind-borne debris impactAdditional living expenses while you are displaced

What it does not cover

Rising water of any kindStorm surgeWater entering at ground level

Your hurricane deductible is separate from your regular deductible and is calculated as a percentage of your dwelling limit — commonly 2% to 5% — not a flat dollar amount.

A separate policy

Flood

What it covers

Rising water and storm surgeBuilding and foundation damageContents, on a separate limit you chooseDebris removal

What it does not cover

Wind damage — that is the homeowners policyMost property below the lowest floorDetached structures, generally

NFIP policies cap at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. In most of Broward and Palm Beach that is not enough — excess flood from the private market fills the gap.

The thirty-day rule

You cannot buy flood insurance once the storm has a name.

NFIP coverage takes thirty days to take effect. Private-market flood sometimes binds faster, but carriers routinely suspend new business the moment a system is named. The window to act is in spring, not during a watch.

Check my flood coverage

What to do, when

Three windows that decide the outcome.

Ahead of the season

Before June

1Photograph every room. Open the closets and the drawers. Store it off-site or in the cloud.2Ask us to confirm your dwelling limit still matches replacement cost.3Get or refresh a wind mitigation inspection. The report is good for five years.4Confirm flood coverage is in force — and buy it now if it is not.5Write down your policy numbers and our number somewhere that does not need power.

Seventy-two hours out

When a watch is issued

1Install shutters or panels while it is still safe to be on a ladder.2Bring in furniture, planters, and anything that becomes a projectile.3Move valuables and documents above expected water level.4Fill prescriptions, fuel the vehicles, get cash.5Take one more walk-through video of the whole property.

The claim

After it passes

1Document damage before you touch anything — photos and video from several angles.2Make only temporary repairs that prevent further damage. Keep every receipt.3Report promptly. Call us and we open the claim with you.4Log every adjuster call — name, date, what was said.5Do not sign over your policy benefits to a contractor before speaking with us.

Your storm folder

Keep these somewhere dry.

A waterproof folder and a cloud folder. Redundancy is the entire point.

Declarations pages for every policy — home, flood, auto, umbrellaPolicy numbers and each carrier’s claim phone numberYour wind mitigation reportRecent photos or video of every roomReceipts for major purchases and improvementsMortgage and lender informationYour most recent roof permit or invoiceOur direct line: (561) 503-2696

Before the season

Let us make sure your coverage is where you think it is.

A review takes about twenty minutes and costs nothing. We read your declarations pages and tell you plainly what is covered, what is not, and what it would cost to close the gap.

Get a Quote Call (561) 503-2696