Every year, natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes damage thousands of homes across the United States. As climate conditions shift, these events are becoming more intense and unpredictable. Homeowners need to be prepared—not just with emergency plans and supplies, but with the right insurance coverage.
If a wildfire sparks in your area or a hurricane makes landfall near your home, will your policy protect you fully? Now is the time to check. Don’t wait until the storm is at your doorstep. Here’s what you should know to make sure your home insurance is ready for wildfire and hurricane season.
1. Know What Your Policy Covers—and What It Doesn’t
Standard homeowners’ insurance usually covers damage caused by fire, including wildfires. It also covers damage from wind, which is common during hurricanes. But you should be aware of these gaps.
Hurricane-related flooding is typically not covered under a standard policy. You’ll need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Without it, any water damage caused by storm surge, flash flooding, or overflowing rivers won’t be paid for—even if it’s due to a hurricane.
Also, some homeowner’s policies in hurricane-prone areas have special hurricane or windstorm deductibles, which are often higher than your regular deductible. These apply specifically when damage is caused by a named storm.
2. Understand Your Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their hurricane deductible may be a percentage of their home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount.
For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 5% hurricane deductible, you’d have to pay $15,000 before your insurer covers the rest of the damage.
For wildfire claims, deductibles are usually the standard amount (e.g. $1,000), unless your policy states otherwise. Review your deductible details now so you’re not caught off guard later.
3. Review Your Coverage Limits
Over time, the cost to rebuild or repair your home may increase due to inflation or rising construction costs. If your insurance coverage hasn’t been updated in several years, you might not have enough protection.
Make sure your dwelling coverage is high enough to rebuild your home at today’s prices—not just the original purchase price. You should also check your coverage for other structures (such as garages, fences, or sheds), personal belongings, and temporary living expenses if you are forced to leave your home due to a disaster.
If needed, ask your insurance agent about extended replacement cost or guaranteed replacement cost coverage, which can provide more protection in case of a total loss.
4. Create a Home Inventory
Having a detailed list of your belongings makes filing a claim faster and easier. Walk through your home with your phone and take photos or videos of your furniture, electronics, appliances, and other valuables. Make notes of serial numbers and estimated values where possible.
Store your inventory in a safe place—either online or in a cloud storage account—so you can access it if disaster strikes. Some insurance companies offer mobile apps that let you store this information directly in your policy account.
5. Prepare for an Evacuation or Emergency
While not directly related to your insurance policy, having an evacuation plan can affect how smoothly you file a claim. If a wildfire or hurricane threatens your area, evacuate when advised, and take essential items such as insurance documents, IDs, medications, and a change of clothes.
If damage occurs, contact your insurer as soon as it’s safe. Take photos of any damage before you clean up. Your policy may help cover the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses if your home is unlivable.
6. Consider Additional Coverage
In high-risk areas, you may want to consider add-ons or separate policies that offer extra peace of mind. These include:
- Flood insurance for hurricane-related water damage
- Earthquake insurance if you live in areas with shifting ground
- Debris removal coverage to help pay for fallen trees or cleanup
- Loss of use coverage to cover temporary living expenses
These options may not be included in your base policy, but they can be valuable when disaster strikes.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane and wildfire seasons can bring unexpected challenges, but your home insurance shouldn’t be one of them. Review your policy now, not when a storm is on the radar or smoke is in the air. Make sure your coverage is current, your deductibles are understood, and your belongings are documented.
Speak with Tom Needham Insurance to identify any gaps and explore the right coverage for your needs. Being prepared could mean the difference between a smooth recovery and a financial disaster.
Learn more about Tom Needham Insurance Agency in Greensboro, NC.