Hurricane Insurance in Fort Myers FL
Given their proximity to the Gulf Coast and its potentially extreme weather patterns, homeowners in Fort Myers need to be aware of related insurance needs. Specifically, hurricanes may loom on the horizon as particularly prevalent threats. Regardless of how well you’ve maintained your property or how diligently you monitor the forecast, there may be little you can do to negate hurricane-related losses fully. Having insurance, therefore, is crucial.
What Is Hurricane Insurance?
You should first understand that the term “hurricane insurance” may not refer to a single type of policy available from all carriers. Instead, it typically refers to a combination of coverages capable of addressing various risks and potential losses associated with these severe weather events. Consider the following pair of core pillars of hurricane insurance:
- Flood insurance—Hurricanes can cause water levels to rise, potentially infringing on your property and immersing your home under torrential rainfall and overflowing bodies of water. Securing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers may help you pay to rebuild your home, replace belongings or remove debris.
- Windstorm insurance—The gale-force winds of hurricanes can inflict devastating damage on your home, potentially shattering windows and ripping apart roofs. Windstorm coverage should be considered essential if you live in an area at risk of hurricanes, as you might otherwise lack the resources needed to repair or rebuild your home.
Who Needs Coverage?
Floods are typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies, meaning you must procure alternative coverage. Meanwhile, home insurance carriers in Florida are legally required to include windstorms as covered perils in policies, but policyholders can turn it down. You should check your policy and speak with a qualified agent to make sure you have appropriate coverage. Although neither type of coverage is legally required, mortgage lenders may impose mandates, especially if your loan is federally supported and you’re in a high-risk area.
How Do I Choose the Right Policies?
At Baker Insurance Group Inc., we’re well-positioned to help homeowners in the Fort Myers area assess and address their hurricane-related coverage needs. Contact us today to get started.