Atlantic Hurricane Season: Key insurance coverage’s to ask about
The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a below normal hurricane season.
NOAA’s hurricane season forecast calls for a 70 percent likelihood of:
– 6-11 named storms
– 3-6 of which could become hurricanes
– 0-2 major hurricanes (those of at least Category 3 strength on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale)
Although Florida hasn’t had a land falling hurricane in the past decade, disasters can occur whether the season is active or relatively quiet. It only takes one hurricane, or tropical storm to cause a disaster and you can never be too prepared, especially when it comes to your insurance coverage.
Generally, a homeowners’ insurance policy provides coverage for the following:
– Structure (the home itself)
– Other structures (fences, sheds, etc.)
– Personal property (the contents of the structures)
– Loss of use (Additional Living Expense, or ALE)
Unfortunately, many homeowners learn the hard way that their homeowners’ insurance usually doesn’t cover property damage caused by hurricanes, or floods until it’s too late.
At Pettineo Insurance Agency, we’ve compiled a small list of insurance coverage’s to inquire about before disaster strikes:
– Flood insurance: Due to Florida’s geography and proximity to the water, flooding is a serious risk. Flooding insurance is typically not covered in a homeowner’s policy and must be purchased separately.
– Windstorm coverage: Most homeowners’ policies include damages caused by windstorms, hurricanes and hail (unless you waived the coverage.) Speak with your insurance agent to get specifics on your coverage.
– Sewer back-up coverage: Losses may be covered if sewer lines backing up through your drainpipes caused the damage. Ask your agent if an endorsement for sewer backup coverage was included in your policy.
– Debris removal: Most policies do not cover damage to trees or landscaping, but many do offer debris cleanup allowances. Ask to find out if your policy has this coverage.
– Coverage for other structures: Damage to structures other than your house may be covered if connected by a fence or utility line and the loss was caused by a covered peril.
With few exceptions, you must wait 30 days after you first purchase a flood insurance policy before your policy will take effect.
It’s important to also note you cannot obtain new or additional coverage when a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued for any area within the state of Florida.
So don’t wait until the last minute to secure your policy, especially during hurricane season.
At Pettineo Insurance Agency, we’ve been protecting our neighbors in Florida for the past 30 years. We know the geography and can help guide you in selecting the right coverage for your needs.
Contact Pettineo Insurance Agency today at 954-493-9424, or visit our website www.pettineo.com to get in contact with one of our agents.
Pettineo Insurance Agency Inc. provides insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, Lighthouse Point and all of Florida.