TAMPA, Florida, August 15, 2012 — More than 80 percent of hurricanes strike the U.S. between August and October. Florida’s hurricane history reflects this, with nine of the last 10 major storms occurring during that three-month timeframe. With hurricane season approaching its historic peak here, now is the time to review your insurance protection before it is too late, says the
Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
It has been more than six years since the last powerful hurricane made landfall in Florida. “While each storm is different, they create similar scenarios that cause people to wish they had made different choices regarding their insurance coverage,” said Lynne McChristian, Florida representative for the I.I.I. “You want to be proactive, so make plans now to talk with your insurance agent or company so you are completely confident you have the protection you need to recover physically and fiscally if you experience storm damage.”
Florida's Hurricane History
| Andrew |
August 24, 1992 |
5 |
Homestead |
| Opal |
October 4, 1995 |
3 |
Pensacola Beach |
| Charley |
August 13, 2004 |
4 |
Punta Gorda |
| Frances |
September 5, 2004 |
2 |
Sewall’s Point |
| Ivan |
September 16, 2004 |
3 |
Gulf Shores, AL |
| Jeanne |
September 26, 2004 |
3 |
Hutchison Island |
| Dennis |
July 10, 2005 |
3 |
Santa Rosa Island |
| Wilma |
October 24, 2005 |
3 |
Cape Romano |
|
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued a
hurricane season update last week that increased the chances of an above-normal season. With that in mind, here are four tips to ensure you are ready:
- Review your insurance coverage limits and update the estimated cost to rebuild your home. Make sure your coverage is adequate to repair or rebuild your home in the current building market. “Keep in mind that a home’s real estate value has nothing to do with its rebuilding cost,” said McChristian. “Rebuilding costs include the demand surge that makes the cost of raw materials and labor rise after a disaster, as well as the cost of debris removal.”
- Estimate the value of your personal belongings and obtain enough coverage to replace them if they are destroyed. The I.I.I. has free online home inventory software, Know Your Stuff, to make it easy and efficient. The software also has an accompanying mobile app (available for both iPhone and Android platforms), and free online storage that enables you to access the inventory from anywhere. “Going through the inventory process is extremely valuable when you file a claim because you’ll have a record of the item, the purchase price and even the serial number for your electronics,” said McChristian.
- Check your current deductible for hurricane losses. You’ll find the percentage and exact dollar amount on your policy’s Declaration Page. Insurers offer a range of deductibles, and there is a page in your policy packet that spells out your options.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance. A separate policy covers flooding resulting from hurricanes. It is available from the National Flood Insurance Program and from some private insurers. Flooding is not covered under your homeowners insurance policy.
The I.I.I. also has an app for iPhone to provide consumers with checklists to learn about and implement important property protection and preparedness steps. “Know Your Plan” is available in
iTunes, or by searching “Insurance Information Institute” in the App store from any iPhone.
TV reporters interested in interviewing an I.I.I. spokesperson in both English and Spanish about disaster preparedness issues may also contact Brian Devenny at DS Simon Productions to schedule time during a Satellite Media Tour on Thursday, August 16th at 212-736-2727 or 201-696-1875. For interviews at other times, please call the I.I.I. media department at 212-346-5550.
RELATED LINKS
THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Insurance Information Institute, 4775 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617, (813) 480-6446