On a muggy August evening, the Sanchez family of Tampa, Florida, sat in their living room with the news blaring warnings of Hurricane Idalia. They thought they were prepared. They had plywood on their windows, sandbags by the door, and a stocked pantry. But when floodwaters rose through the neighborhood streets, turning their living room into a lagoon, reality struck: their homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover a dime of the water damage.
“We thought we were covered—we really did,” Mrs. Sanchez said. “The storm surge destroyed our furniture, appliances, everything. That’s when we learned flood insurance is a completely separate policy. By then, it was too late.”
Sadly, their story is far from unique.
The Hidden Gaps in “Hurricane Insurance”
Here’s the thing—there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all “hurricane insurance” policy. Protection comes in two parts:
Homeowner’s Insurance: covers wind and hail damage from named storms, but with a catch—most policies come with a special hurricane deductible. Instead of a flat fee, it’s usually a percentage of your home’s insured value.
Example: If your home is insured for $400,000 and your deductible is 5%, you’ll pay $20,000 out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest.
Flood Insurance: sold separately (via FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers). This covers damage from storm surge, heavy rainfall, and rising water—the exact threats that caused billions in damage during storms like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Ida.
Here’s the kicker: flood insurance doesn’t kick in immediately. Policies have a 30-day waiting period, which means you can’t wait until a storm is on the radar to buy coverage.
Why It Matters Now
According to the National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic is entering its most active stretch of the season. Storms are becoming stronger, wetter, and more unpredictable—stretching further inland and affecting homeowners who never thought they’d face hurricane-level risk.
We’ve seen this firsthand: in 2017, Harvey dumped over 60 inches of rain in parts of Texas. Thousands of homes outside FEMA-designated flood zones were swallowed by water, leaving families with staggering losses and no financial safety net. FEMA estimates that just 1 inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 worth of damage.
What Your Policy May (and May Not) Cover
Wind and Hail Damage → Covered by homeowner’s insurance (but subject to hurricane deductible).
Spoiled Food After Power Outage → Sometimes covered, but typically capped at $500–$1,000.
Temporary Lodging & Meals → May be covered if your home is uninhabitable due to wind damage, but always within policy limits.
Flood Damage → Never covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. You need separate flood insurance.
Many homeowners don’t realize that their coverage may also reimburse items based on depreciated value, not replacement cost. That means your 5-year-old TV may only be valued at a fraction of what it would cost to replace today.
Proactive Steps to Take Before the Next Storm
Check Your Deductibles: Don’t assume your deductible is a flat number—calculate what percentage means in real dollars.
Review Coverage Limits: Rising construction and material costs may mean your policy limits are now too low.
Buy Flood Insurance Early: Remember the 30-day waiting period—don’t wait until storm season is already in full swing.
Create a Home Inventory: Walk through your home with your phone and film everything. Document big-ticket items like appliances, electronics, and valuables.
Upgrade Protection: Hurricane-rated windows and doors can reduce damage and may even earn you policy discounts.
Stay Ahead with Local Knowledge: Check drainage culverts, stormwater systems, and neighborhood flood maps with your county officials.
Need Help Making Sense of It All?
Insurance language can feel like a maze—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Abdul, Business Development Manager and Customer Support Manager at Acrisure, has been helping homeowners and businesses for over 2½ years. His role is simple: connect people with the right coverage and the right experts before disaster strikes. Whether you’re unsure about your deductible, need flood insurance, or simply want a second opinion, Abdul can point you in the right direction. Email: hello@abdulconnects.com Call or SMS: (916) 429-4741
Final Word
Every hurricane season brings uncertainty—but your insurance shouldn’t be one of them. Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water or staring at a damaged roof to discover your policy’s limits. A few hours of preparation today can save you tens of thousands tomorrow—and offer something priceless in the middle of chaos: peace of mind.