Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30, and for Lehigh Acres homeowners, preparing early can make the difference between a stressful recovery and a manageable one. While most people focus on physical preparations like shutters and supplies, reviewing your homeowners insurance should be at the top of your hurricane preparation checklist.
At Bassine Insurance Agency, we help Lehigh Acres families review their coverage before storm season begins. Here’s what you need to check and why it matters.
Review Your Hurricane Deductible
Florida homeowners policies have a separate hurricane deductible that’s typically much higher than your regular deductible. Understanding this number before a storm hits is critical because it determines how much you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Hurricane deductibles are usually set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, commonly 2%, 5%, or 10%.
- On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you’d pay the first $6,000 of any hurricane damage claim. A 5% deductible means $15,000 out of pocket.
- Lowering your hurricane deductible increases your premium but reduces your out-of-pocket exposure after a storm.
Many Lehigh Acres homeowners chose higher hurricane deductibles to save on premiums without fully understanding the financial impact. We recommend reviewing this number now so you’re not surprised after a claim.
Check Your Dwelling Coverage Amount
Your dwelling coverage should match the current cost to rebuild your home, not what you paid for it or what it would sell for today. Construction costs have risen significantly in recent years, and many homeowners insurance policies haven’t kept pace.
- If your dwelling coverage is too low, you could face a coverage shortfall after a major hurricane that partially or fully destroys your home.
- Factor in the cost of materials, labor, permits, and code upgrades that may be required when rebuilding in Lee County.
- Ask your agent to run a replacement cost estimate to confirm your coverage is adequate.
Rebuilding costs after a hurricane are often higher than normal because demand for contractors, materials, and labor spikes across the region. Making sure your coverage accounts for that is essential.
Understand What Your Policy Does and Does Not Cover
A standard homeowners policy covers wind damage from hurricanes, but there are important exclusions that catch many Lehigh Acres homeowners off guard.
- Flood damage is not covered. Rising water from storm surge, heavy rain, or overflowing waterways requires a separate flood insurance policy.
- Mold damage may be limited or excluded after water intrusion from a hurricane.
- Landscaping and exterior features may have limited coverage under your policy.
- Your policy may not cover water damage from rain entering through a roof damaged by wind unless the wind damage is documented first.
Knowing these exclusions ahead of time helps you plan for additional coverage like flood insurance and gives you realistic expectations about what your policy will and won’t pay.
Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
If you haven’t had a wind mitigation inspection, scheduling one before hurricane season is a smart move. Beyond the premium savings it provides, the inspection also gives you a clear picture of how well your Lehigh Acres home is prepared to handle high winds.
- The inspector checks your roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, and secondary water resistance.
- If your home has weaknesses, you’ll know about them before a storm and can make improvements.
- The report qualifies you for wind mitigation discounts that can significantly reduce your premium.
Document Your Home and Belongings
Before hurricane season, take the time to document your home’s condition and your personal belongings. This makes the claims process faster and smoother if you need to file.
- Take photos and videos of every room, including closets, the garage, and outdoor structures.
- Keep receipts for major purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
- Store your documentation in the cloud or with a trusted family member outside the area so it’s accessible even if your home is damaged.
- Keep a copy of your insurance policy and your agent’s contact information in a safe, accessible location.
For more information, you may find these resources helpful: Insurance Information Institute homeowners data and FEMA flood insurance information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I review my homeowners insurance for hurricane season?
Review your policy by April or May each year. This gives you time to make changes, add coverage, or shop for better rates before hurricane season begins on June 1.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Lehigh Acres?
Yes, standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage from hurricanes. However, it does not cover flood damage, which requires a separate policy. Your policy has a separate hurricane deductible that’s typically higher than your standard deductible.
Should I get flood insurance in Lehigh Acres?
We recommend it. While Lehigh Acres isn’t directly on the coast, heavy rain and poor drainage can cause flooding during tropical storms and hurricanes. Flood insurance provides protection that your homeowners policy specifically excludes.
Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to check your insurance. At Bassine Insurance Agency, we help Lehigh Acres homeowners prepare for hurricane season with confidence. Call us at (239) 995-0333 or request a free policy review today.