Preparing for Hurricane Season: A Complete Insurance Checklist

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The time to prepare your insurance is before storms threaten. Use this checklist to ensure you are ready.

Review Your Policies (Do This Now)

Homeowners Insurance

• [ ] Confirm dwelling coverage reflects current rebuilding costs
• [ ] Verify personal property coverage is adequate
• [ ] Check Additional Living Expense limits
• [ ] Understand your standard deductible
• [ ] Know your hurricane deductible in dollars (not just percentage)
• [ ] Review any coverage restrictions (roof, age, etc.)

Flood Insurance

• [ ] Confirm you have flood insurance (separate from homeowners)
• [ ] Review dwelling and contents limits
• [ ] Understand the waiting period for new policies (usually 30 days)
• [ ] Know your flood deductible
• [ ] Check if private flood might offer better coverage or rates

Auto Insurance

• [ ] Verify comprehensive coverage for flood and storm damage to vehicles
• [ ] Know your comprehensive deductible
• [ ] Consider rental reimbursement if your car is damaged

Document Your Property (Do This Now)

Home Inventory

• [ ] Video record every room in your home
• [ ] Photograph valuable items
• [ ] List major items with estimated values
• [ ] Keep receipts for expensive purchases
• [ ] Store documentation in the cloud, not just at home

Property Documentation

• [ ] Take exterior photos of your home from all angles
• [ ] Document the roof condition
• [ ] Photograph any existing damage (for comparison later)
• [ ] Record serial numbers for electronics

Organize Important Documents

• [ ] Locate your insurance policies
• [ ] Store copies digitally
• [ ] Note your agent contact information
• [ ] Know your insurance company claims hotlines
• [ ] Have policy numbers accessible
• [ ] Store documents in a waterproof container for evacuation

Home Preparation (Before Season)

• [ ] Inspect your roof for damage or wear
• [ ] Clear gutters and drains
• [ ] Trim trees and remove dead branches
• [ ] Test hurricane shutters or identify window protection
• [ ] Check garage door for wind resistance
• [ ] Inventory outdoor items that need securing

When a Storm Threatens

Property Protection

• [ ] Install hurricane shutters or plywood
• [ ] Bring in outdoor furniture and decor
• [ ] Secure or store boats and trailers
• [ ] Turn off pool equipment
• [ ] Fill vehicles with fuel
• [ ] Move vehicles away from trees

Document Pre-Storm Condition

• [ ] Take photos showing property is secured
• [ ] Note time and date of final preparations
• [ ] Document any pre-existing conditions

After the Storm

• [ ] Ensure safety before returning to property
• [ ] Document all damage with photos and video
• [ ] Take notes on what happened
• [ ] Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (keep receipts)
• [ ] Do not dispose of damaged items until adjuster approves
• [ ] Contact your insurance company promptly
• [ ] Keep records of all conversations and expenses

Contact Information to Have Ready

• Your insurance agent: _______________
• Homeowners insurance claims: _______________
• Flood insurance claims: _______________
• Auto insurance claims: _______________
• Policy numbers: _______________

Need help preparing for hurricane season? Contact Anchor & Atlas Insurance for a pre-season policy review.