With National Hurricane Preparedness Week underway, insurance experts and consumer safety organizations are urging Floridians to review their coverage now, warning that a significant portion of residents remain dangerously underprepared.
According to a survey by AAA, roughly one in four Florida residents lacks adequate preparation for hurricane season, which officially begins June 1. Nearly one in five say they are more concerned about this year’s season than last year’s.
Forecasters at Colorado State University are projecting 13 named tropical storms this season, including six hurricanes, two of which could reach major hurricane status.
Insurance agents say one of the most common and costly misconceptions among homeowners is the belief that standard homeowners policies cover flood damage — they typically do not. Flood coverage must be purchased separately, and most policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
“If it rains at your house, you need flood insurance,” said Robert Norberg of Arden Insurance. “You can be in an area that normally doesn’t flood, but if we get a ton of rain and that water rises up and comes into your house, you better have a flood policy.”
AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins echoed that warning, stressing that many residents only discover gaps in their coverage after a storm has already passed.
“A lot of people don’t realize they don’t have adequate coverage until after that hurricane passes,” Jenkins said. “Now is an important time to sit down with an insurance agent and review your coverage.”
Preparedness experts recommend that residents take the following steps before a storm threatens: review homeowners, renters, flood, and auto insurance policies; understand hurricane deductibles; establish an evacuation plan with identified routes and destinations; secure the home using science-based guidance; and document belongings with photos or video.
Nearly half of survey respondents said they are most concerned about wind damage, fallen trees, prolonged power outages, and structural damage.
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