In short: the Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. The weeks before it starts are a good time to read your policies, update your records and ask your insurer or advisor the questions that are harder to settle once a storm is forecast. This checklist is general information. A policy sets its own terms, and none of the steps below is a guarantee of how a claim will be treated.
1. Find and read your policies
- List every policy that may respond to storm damage: home or condominium, contents, business property, vehicles and boats.
- Read what each says about wind, flood and storm surge. Insurers often treat them differently, and flood cover may be an extension, may have its own limit, or may not be offered.
- Check whether a named-storm or hurricane deductible applies, and whether it is a fixed amount or a percentage of the sum insured. Deductibles are explained here.
- Look at the exclusions. Fences, outdoor furniture, landscaping, pools, docks and property left in the open are sometimes limited or excluded.
- Check the maintenance conditions. Some policies exclude damage linked to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, which can be relevant for roofs, shutters and drainage.
2. Check the numbers
- Does the sum insured reflect the current cost of rebuilding or replacing, not the market value?
- Which currency is the policy written in?
- For a business, is business interruption included, for how long, and with what waiting period?
- For a boat, what does the policy say about mooring or haul-out during the season?
3. Update your records
- Make an inventory of your home or business with photographs or video, room by room.
- Keep a copy somewhere other than the property, such as cloud storage.
- Keep digital copies of policy documents, policy numbers and the contact details of the insurer and advisor. A printed copy in a waterproof bag also helps if the power or internet is down.
- Keep receipts, serial numbers and valuations for higher-value items.
4. Look at the property
- Check the condition of the roof, windows, shutters, drainage and trees around the property. Insurers may ask about construction and protective features.
- For a business, think about how stock, equipment and important records are protected if the premises are damaged.
5. When a storm is forecast
- Follow the guidance of the official local authorities and weather services. They take priority over any insurance consideration.
- Some insurers limit or pause new policies, increases in cover and other changes when a named storm is forecast. Because this varies by insurer, it is better not to leave questions to the last moment.
6. After a storm
Check that everyone is safe first. Then photograph the damage, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, keep receipts and tell your insurer or advisor. How a claim works after storm damage goes through the steps.
Questions to ask your advisor
- How does my policy treat wind, flood and storm surge?
- What is my hurricane or named-storm deductible, in money terms?
- Is my sum insured realistic for rebuilding or replacing?
- Are there items I assumed were covered that are limited or excluded?
- What do I need to do, and by when, if I have to make a claim?
You can read more on the hurricane insurance page, or ask about homeowners and renters insurance, property insurance and marine insurance. To go through your own policies with an advisor, request a call back or call +1 721 542 5078.
This website gives general information about insurance. It is not personal advice, a recommendation or an offer of cover. Terms, limits, exclusions and availability depend on the insurer and the policy wording.