September in Central Florida usually brings plenty of heat, afternoon thunderstorms—and a lot more attention to the tropics.
It is also a good time to ask a simple question.
If a major storm affects your home tomorrow, do you really know what your insurance would cover?
Wind and Flood Are Two Different Things
One of the biggest areas of confusion after a hurricane is the difference between wind damage and flood damage.
A homeowner’s policy may provide coverage when hurricane winds damage a roof or create an opening that allows rain into the home. But rising water, storm surge and surface flooding are generally considered flood—and standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage.
That distinction matters even in Central Florida.
You do not have to live on the coast—or even in a designated high-risk flood zone—to experience flooding. Heavy rainfall, overwhelmed drainage systems, retention ponds and rising lakes can create problems throughout communities in Winter Park, Maitland, Lake Mary, Windermere and the greater Orlando area.
Do You Know Your Hurricane Deductible?
Another surprise can be the hurricane deductible.
Unlike a standard homeowner’s deductible, hurricane deductibles are often expressed as a percentage of the home’s insured value. For example, a 2% hurricane deductible on a home insured for $750,000 could mean the homeowner is responsible for the first $15,000 of a covered hurricane loss.
That is something worth understanding before a storm approaches—not afterward.
Has Your Home Changed Since You Bought the Policy?
Insurance policies should change as your life and property change.
Maybe you renovated your kitchen, remodeled a bathroom, installed new flooring, added an outdoor kitchen or purchased expensive furniture, artwork, jewelry or watches.
Those changes may create coverage issues that haven’t been addressed.
Construction costs have also changed considerably over the years. The amount it would cost to rebuild your home today may be very different from what it was when the policy was originally written.
Don’t Forget Your Personal Property
September is also a good time to walk through your home with your phone and create a simple video inventory.
Open closets and cabinets. Photograph electronics, artwork, furniture and other significant possessions. Keep receipts or appraisals for higher-value items when possible.
Jewelry, watches, collectibles and other valuables may have special policy limitations, making separate scheduling or additional coverage worth discussing.
The Best Time to Review Insurance Is Before You Need It
Once a hurricane threatens Florida, your options can become limited. Insurance companies may stop accepting new applications or requests to increase coverage as a storm approaches.
That makes September an ideal time for Central Florida homeowners to review their homeowners, flood, auto, umbrella and valuable-items coverage. Insurance should not simply be something you renew every year and put back in a drawer.
At Axon Insurance Solutions, we believe a good insurance review starts with understanding what you own, how your life has changed and where potential gaps may exist.
Before the next storm is on the map, take a few minutes to make sure the insurance protecting what you’ve built is ready for the storm too.
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