As hurricane season approaches, homeowners in Brewton, AL, need more than just flashlights and bottled water—they need strong, updated insurance coverage. Your home insurance policy can make all the difference when it comes to storm recovery, but only if it’s reviewed and ready before severe weather strikes.
1. Understand What Your Policy Covers
Most standard home insurance policies cover wind damage, fallen trees and damage from flying debris. However, many policies exclude flood coverage, even if the flood is caused by a hurricane. It’s critical to know where your protection begins and ends.
2. Review Your Deductibles
Hurricane deductibles in Alabama may be higher than your regular home insurance deductible. These are often based on a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount. Knowing your potential out-of-pocket costs in advance helps you plan for the worst while hoping for the best.
3. Evaluate Your Home’s Replacement Value
If you haven’t updated your policy in a while, your coverage limits might not reflect the current cost to rebuild. With construction prices rising, it’s important to make sure you have enough dwelling coverage to replace your home if it’s severely damaged or destroyed.
4. Ask About Additional Living Expenses
If a storm forces you out of your home, does your policy include loss of use or additional living expenses coverage? This can help pay for temporary housing, food and other essentials while your home is being repaired.
5. Consider Flood Insurance
Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, hurricanes can cause flooding in unexpected areas. Flood insurance is not included in most standard policies. Horton’s Insurance Agency can help you determine if a separate policy is right for your home.
6. Take Inventory of Your Belongings
Create or update a home inventory with photos, serial numbers and estimated values. This makes filing a claim much smoother if you experience a loss during a storm.
7. Work with a Local Agent Who Knows the Area
At Horton’s Insurance Agency, we’ve served Brewton and surrounding communities since 1963. We understand the specific risks local homeowners face during hurricane season and we’re here to help you prepare.
Be Proactive Before the Storm
Don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to check your coverage. Let’s make sure your policy is storm-season ready today.