Protect Your Home with Hurricane Insurance

Hurricanes are one of the most destructive natural forces on earth. If you live in an area that is often threatened by hurricanes, it is a smart idea to take measures to protect yourself. Not only should you consider ways to physically protect your home from hurricane damage, but you should also protect your home with hurricane insurance.

Physically Protecting Your Home from Hurricanes

During hurricane season in the Northeast, there are a number of precautions that you can take to strengthen your home and minimize potential damage. Fortify your doors with strong hinges and a deadbolt, or even a head or foot bolt. Protect your windows with sturdy hurricane shutters or plywood if a strong storm is expected to hit the area. Make sure that your roof is secure with no loose shingles that can break off. You can even brace your roof to the inside framing or the garage door for extra support. Store lawn furniture, potted plants, or any other items that may easily become damaged or turned into projectiles in high winds. All of these measures will help reduce damage to your property.

Know Your Insurance Policy

Aside from physically protecting your home, you should also familiarize yourself with your homeowners insurance policy. Some policies may offer limited hurricane coverage, but these days more and more policies are eliminating it altogether. If your policy does not mention hurricane coverage or if you are unsure exactly what types of damage are covered, contact your insurance company.

Protect Your Home with Hurricane Insurance

If your main homeowners insurance policy does not cover hurricane damage, it would be wise to purchase specific hurricane insurance and even flood insurance. You can purchase this through the National Flood Insurance Program. Be sure to contact your insurance company before news of any approaching hurricanes because some may restrict policy changes when a storm is expected to reach the region. Even though hurricane insurance can be costly, it is better to take precautions and pay a little more ahead of time than to burden the cost of extensive damage to your home.