Does Your Home Insurance Cover Flooding, Hurricanes or Wildfires?

Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine and coastal beauty, but it also means preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and wildfires. Understanding what your home insurance policy covers is essential to protecting your property and finances.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hurricanes?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Florida include coverage for wind damage caused by hurricanes. However, this coverage often comes with a separate hurricane deductible, which is typically a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. In high-risk coastal areas, insurers may require homeowners to purchase additional windstorm insurance to fully cover hurricane-related wind damage.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding?

Standard homeowners insurance in Florida does not typically include coverage for flood damage. This is a critical gap, especially since hurricanes and tropical storms often bring heavy rainfall and storm surges. For proper protection against flooding, homeowners need to obtain a separate flood insurance policy. Given Florida’s vulnerability to flooding, especially in low-lying and coastal areas, flood insurance is highly recommended, even if it’s not legally required.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires?

Unlike floods, damage from wildfires is generally covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. This includes damage to the structure of your home and personal belongings, as well as additional living expenses if you’re forced to evacuate or your home becomes uninhabitable.

However, as wildfire risks increase in some parts of Florida due to climate change and drought conditions, insurers may adjust premiums or impose stricter underwriting guidelines.

Learn More

In Florida, protecting your home means going beyond a basic insurance policy. Contact Baker Insurance Group Inc. to review your insurance policies today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.