Does My Lake Worth Home Insurance Cover Wind and Flood Damage From Hurricanes? 

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, understanding what your homeowners insurance does and doesn’t cover can save you from a costly surprise after a storm. Wind damage and flood damage may seem similar after a hurricane, but your insurance policy treats them very differently.

How Standard Homeowners Insurance Handles Wind Damage

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage, including damage caused by hurricane-force winds. This typically includes roof damage, broken windows, and structural damage caused directly by wind. However, in some high-risk coastal areas of Florida, wind coverage may require a separate windstorm policy or endorsement rather than being included in a standard policy.

Why Flood Damage Requires a Separate Policy

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, regardless of the cause. That includes storm surge, rising water from heavy rain, and overflow from nearby bodies of water. To financially protect your home from flood damage, you need a separate flood insurance policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program or select private insurers.

What to Do If You Experience Storm Damage

Document any damage with photos or video as soon as it’s safe to do so, and avoid making permanent repairs until an adjuster has inspected the property. Keep receipts for temporary repairs, such as tarps or boarded windows, since many policies reimburse reasonable costs to prevent further damage. Report the loss to your insurer promptly.

Insure Your Home Before Storm Season

Contact The Marvelous Associates Inc. to review your current homeowners insurance coverage and determine whether a separate flood policy makes sense for your home.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.