Hurricane Insurance: Can I Buy Last Minute Coverage?
Hurricane Insurance: Can I Buy Last Minute Coverage?
With hurricane season upon us, and having seen the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, you may be considering buying hurricane insurance. If you live in an area that is regularly hit by hurricanes, you probably keep that cover on your property year-round. However, those who do not live in hurricane areas may want to consider buying this coverage, just in case.
How Do I Know if I Need Hurricane Insurance?
Since most homeowner’s policies cover things like wind damage from a hurricane, additional damage from flooding, for example, would likely remain the homeowner’s problem. There is no one-size-fits-all insurance policy that covers all the possible damage a hurricane can cause to your property. As a result, you may to purchase a mixed bag of policies – including home, wind, and flood – for you to be fully covered and prepared for possible hurricane damage.
When Should I Purchase Hurricane Insurance?
You probably should not wait until the very last minute to buy hurricane coverage. Policies also won’t cover any claims for hurricane damage if you bought the coverage after the hurricane hit. Most, if not all, insurance policies require that the policy be in place for a specific amount of time prior to filing any claims. Some insurance companies may not even allow you to open a policy if there is a hurricane within range of your location. If you live in a flood zone, you may be required to buy flood insurance for your property.
If you do live in a flood zone or in an area where hurricanes are common, make sure you keep your house up to code and updated. This may make the difference between being able to make your home more insurable than other homes. If you need legal assistance for an insurance matter, contact our firm today.
The Law Office of Craig A. Blumberg is an experienced New York City insurance law firm. If you require quality assistance after having suffered property loss, please contact our firm to schedule a free initial consultation.
