Preparedness Tips for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season starts at the beginning of June and last until the end of November. The insurance information institute has special programs for helping people in affected areas.

There are experts who speak both English and Spanish available to discuss insurance issues, disaster preparedness and other topics.

The 2018 hurricane season is shaping up to be near-or above-normal – though not to the degree seen last year, when three major hurricanes struck U.S. soil, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Insurance Considerations

Most standard home insurance policies on the Gulf Coast exclude damage from windstorm and hail and all exclude damage from flood. Separate policies for these coverages are needed.

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) offers windstorm coverage in Texas’ First Tier coastal counties and certain areas located in Harris County east of Hwy 146.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood coverage. There are a few private insurance companies offering windstorm and flood coverage for structures that qualify.

Prepping for hurricane season

The first step is reviewing insurance coverage.

For example, a couple may have spent $50,000 on improvements and remodeling since the policy was created. It is important to discuss these improvements with and agent. The agent will add any specific new inclusions to the policy to ensure adequate compensation if a hurricane causes extensive damage.

Also, it is important to declare valuable jewelry, art, furs and firearms.

These high-end items can easily be damaged during a severe hurricane. However, they require specific coverage.