Hurricane Insurance Cost
If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, it is vital that you protect your property from damage. In addition to physically preparing for the storm throughout your property, put a focus on ensuring you are fully covered by all forms of insurance. Typically, insurance coverage is expensive, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they have your best interest at heart when it comes to reimbursing you. Keep reading to learn more about hurricane insurance cost and if you might need a hurricane insurance lawyer.
Is There Hurricane Insurance?
Most insurance companies do not offer hurricane policies to homeowners. However, most homeowners insurance policies include wind damage coverage-make sure yours is no exception. When it comes to which other policies are important to have, make sure you look into a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners insurance does not inclue this, but by having both wind and flood coverage, you are essentially prepared for the next hurricane season.
Important: Most states require that you purchase a new policy at least 48 hours before a storm hits, or before the storm warning has been issued. So if you know your area is likely to expect a hurricane, it is best to be fully prepared sooner rather than later.
How Much Does Hurricane Insurance Cost?
Due to varying factors, it is difficult to say exactly how much it will cost to protect your property from hurricane damage. These include:
- The need for both homeowners/wind and flood insurance policies
- The price varies based on the company and where you are located in the state (some places are “higher-risk”)
- The value of your home
Insurance.com allows your to see the average cost of homeowners insurance in your area and state. When looking for flood insurance, check out QuoteWizard. Typically, the states most commonly affected by hurricanes tend to have the cheapest flood insurance policies. Deductibles can range from $500 to $2,500. The higher the deductible, the lower your rate will likely be (and vice-versa). Some states also have special deductible for hurricane damage. These, however, must be met before losses apply to damages.
South Carolina’s average cost for coverage is $679 per year which is a bit lower than the average national cost of $739 per year. Learn more about South Carolina specific insurance here.
Needing a Hurricane Insurance Lawyer
Even if you have taken every step necessary to prepare your home for a hurricane, there can be complications with your insurance company. For the most part, insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible. They will try these tactics until you end up for frustrated you take what you can get:
- Delaying processing or fulfillment of a claim
- Undervaluing a claim/partial payment
- Requesting your signature on a written release of supplemental claims before they pay you
- Arguing your policy does not cover certain damages when they are covered
- Attempting to convince you to accept less than what your deserve
In the event that a hurricane has hit and you are fighting with the insurance company to cover damages, it might be time to turn to a lawyer for help. Whether it is your home, your vehicle, your boat, or your trip, our hurricane insurance claims lawyer can help you get back on your feet. Leave the frustrating back and forth up to us, and focus on a speedy recovery.
We offer free consultation for all individuals who are struggling with hurricane insurance cost. Even if you have been told “no”, you might still have a case. Contact one of our attorneys today to start the process of getting your compensation.
