Hurricane Insurance: Is it Required in Florida?
There is absolutely no mandate in Florida that homeowners carry hurricane insurance.
However, a mortgage holder may require it as part of the loan agreement, along with flood
insurance. Hurricane insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Many people are confused about the
difference in hurricane insurance, flood insurance and standard homeowner’s insurance.
Hurricane insurance covers wind damage. Homeowner’s insurance covers fire damage and
water damage originating within the home. Flood insurance must be purchased through the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA).
Coverage Limits
Hurricane insurance is for damage due to winds of 74 mph or more. Damage caused by winds
lower than 74 mph are typically covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. Hurricane
coverage must be in effect for a specified amount of time before coverage is active. Some
insurers require 30 days before a reimbursement for a claim can be made. Each insurer is
different.
Potential Damage
Many people underestimate the power of moving water and the same is true of wind. The
minimum winds of a hurricane can result in considerable damage. It can affect all types of
roofing, windows, siding, gutters, and fencing. Winds of that velocity are able to bring down
tree limbs, topple trees and affect landscaping elements.
Wind has the power to turn ordinary objects like children’s toys into deadly missiles and can
easily damage solar panel installations. The wind can overturn mobile and manufactured
homes, along with campers and similar structures. It also has the potential to produce power
outages.
Essential Protection
Sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph are determined to be category 1 hurricane force. The
insurance comes into play when a hurricane event is announced by the National Hurricane
Center. Even if an individual has extensive coverage through their standard homeowner’s
policy, the damage may not be covered unless a hurricane insurance policy in in force.
For more information about how The Sena Group can help you with any
of your insurance needs, please contact us at 561-391-4661.
We can be found on Social Media at the following links.
The Sena Group
6501 Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
