As hurricane season approaches, Florida residents must take steps to protect not just their homes and vehicles but also their financial security, including obtaining comprehensive “hurricane insurance.” The importance of being prepared cannot be overstated, and a crucial aspect of this preparation involves ensuring that your insurance coverage is comprehensive and up-to-date. Lane Insurance Group, known for their expertise in navigating the complexities of insurance in hurricane-prone areas, offers vital advice on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane to safeguard your assets.

 Understand Your Coverage

The first step in hurricane preparedness is to fully understand your insurance coverage. Ensure that your policies cover hurricane damage, particularly flood damage, which is not typically covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. It’s advisable to review your policies annually to make adjustments for new acquisitions or changes in property value in clients in Collier, Lee, Polk, Lake, Marion, Sarasota, Duval, Osceola and Sarasota Counties.

 Document Everything

Before a hurricane threatens, take the time to document your home and belongings. Use a video camera or smartphone to make a detailed video of your home, capturing all valuables and the condition of the property. Store this evidence in a safe place, ideally backed up online, where it can be accessed from anywhere. This visual record can be invaluable when filing insurance claims for damage.

 Prepare a Home Inventory

Complement your video documentation with a comprehensive home inventory. List all items of value, including appliances, furniture, electronics, and personal items. Attach receipts, purchase dates, and serial numbers if available. This detailed inventory will streamline the claims process and help ensure that you are adequately compensated for losses.

 Secure Important Documents

Gather all critical documents, including insurance policies, property deeds, vehicle registrations, and personal identification. Store these documents in a waterproof container that you can quickly take with you if you need to evacuate. Consider making digital copies and storing them securely online.

 Update Contact Information

Ensure that you have up-to-date contact information for your insurance companies and agents. Lane Insurance Group recommends keeping a list of all necessary contact numbers both in your phone and in a physical location that is easily accessible. This list should include the claims submission numbers and your policy numbers.

 Plan for Evacuation

Develop an evacuation plan that includes where you will go, how you will get there, and what you must take with you. Ensure your car is fueled and ready to evacuate at short notice. If you have multiple family vehicles, decide in advance if they are all being taken and who will drive them. This is especially critical in clients in Collier, Lee, Polk, Lake, Marion, Sarasota, Duval, Osceola and Sarasota Counties.

 Secure Your Property

Take practical steps to minimize damage to your property:

• Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against flying debris.
• Secure or bring inside any yard objects and furniture that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Elevate electronics and other valuable items off the floor in case of flooding.

 Check Your Vehicle Insurance

For your vehicles, comprehensive coverage is crucial as it covers damage caused by natural disasters, including hurricanes. Review your policy to confirm that it includes this coverage. Take photos of your vehicle before the hurricane as part of your documentation efforts.

 Post-Hurricane Steps

After the hurricane has passed and it is safe to do so, document any damage by taking photos or videos before cleaning up. This documentation is necessary for your insurance claims. Report your claim as soon as possible, as insurance companies generally handle claims on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Lane Insurance Group as Your Go-To Expert

Lane Insurance Group stands ready to assist with all your hurricane-related insurance needs in clients in Collier, Lee, Polk, Lake, Marion, Sarasota, Duval, Osceola and Sarasota Counties. Their expertise in the specifics of Florida insurance, combined with a commitment to customer service, makes them an ideal partner in your hurricane preparedness and recovery efforts. They can guide you through updating your policies, understanding your coverage, and making informed decisions about additional protections such as flood insurance.

Being prepared for a hurricane involves more than just securing your physical property; it also means ensuring that you have robust financial protection through the right insurance. By following these guidelines and working with knowledgeable experts like Lane Insurance Group, you can face the hurricane season with confidence, knowing that both your home and financial security are well protected.

Lane Insurance Group serves clients in Collier, Lee, Polk, Lake, Marion, Sarasota, Duval, Osceola and Sarasota Counties.

For a FREE QUOTE, call (239) 947-7474 or reach us here!