Before the Storm
There are many steps you can take in the days before a storm that could lessen the damage to your property.
Review your policy.
Not having enough coverage can be just as traumatic as experiencing damage to your home and personal belongings. Take a few minutes to review your policy to make sure you have enough coverage. Speak with your agent about hurricane deductibles and any other questions you might have.
Choose the right hurricane deductible.
Always make sure you have the funds set aside to cover the deductible you have chosen on your policy. If your home is damaged and you are unable to pay the deductible, it will prolong the recovery process. Companies offer different deductible options. It’s important that you carefully consider the right option for you.
Review your personal property coverage.
Throughout the years, as you’ve purchased or sold items, have you updated the personal property coverage (Coverage C) on your policy? It’s important that the amount selected for this coverage is enough to repair or replace damaged items. Another important coverage is Personal Property Replacement Cost. If your items are damaged, they will be valued brand new when replacement cost value is applied. Without this coverage, personal property is covered at its depreciated (“actual cash”) value. Security First Insurance includes replacement cost coverage on its policies. If you are not insured by Security First Insurance, check to see if you have replacement coverage.
Review replacement cost.
Make sure your home has the right coverage to replace/repair your home. This is shown as Coverage A on your homeowner’s policy. Will the amount on your policy cover the cost to completely rebuild your home? Please keep in mind that this is not the same amount as the value of your home in the real estate market. It is the actual cost, including labor and materials, to rebuild.
Add flood insurance.
All of Florida is a flood zone - your base policy does not include flood insurance. We offer comprehensive, affordable flood coverage that can be easily added to your existing Security First policy. 80% of our customers can add this coverage for less than $150/year. Contact your agent to protect your home and add this coverage.
Ask About Your Insurance Carrier’s Financial Stability
Hurricane preparedness is important for insurance companies, too. To us, it’s not about how fast we can grow; it’s about managing growth to ensure our ability to pay our customers’ claims. Security First Insurance is one of a handful of companies doing business in Florida that has the financial stability to withstand multiple hurricanes. This is the promise we make to our customers every single day. Call your insurance company and ask them about their promise. Do they have the financial strength to withstand another 2004 hurricane season with four storms?
