Living in Florida means yearly preparation for hurricane season.
But even seasoned homeowners can make costly mistakes that put their property, finances, and peace of mind at risk.
At Boyd Insurance & Investments, we’ve helped clients prepare for storms and recover after them for 50 years and counting.
And, in that time, we’ve seen a few common errors repeated.
In this blog, we explore five of the most common mistakes with tips so you can avoid them this year and in the years to come.
1. Waiting Too Long to Update Coverage
When a named storm is approaching (within 24 – 72 hours), insurance companies typically place temporary holds on issuing new policies or making changes.
So, if you wait until a storm’s in the forecast to make changes, it’ll likely be too late to fix coverage gaps.
Boyd Tip: Review your policy before the season starts (or now, if you haven’t yet). Pay special attention to your windstorm and flood insurance limits.
2. Not Understanding Your Hurricane Deductible
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your deductible is different from your regular homeowner’s deductible.
Instead of a flat dollar amount, it’s calculated as a percentage of what your home is insured for.
Boyd Tip: Ask your agent to calculate your deductible in dollars so you know exactly what you’d owe out of pocket if a storm hits.
3. Skipping a Home Inventory
Documentation after a hurricane is a crucial step, as you’ll take pictures and video of everything that was damaged or lost.
That’s why a home inventory before a storm makes it less stressful and time-consuming because you’re not scrambling after to remember all you owned, look for old receipts, or prove the value of your belongings.
Boyd Tip: Take a quick video walkthrough of your home to record everything in drawers, closets, and throughout your house. Save receipts for high-value purchases and place them in a safe place.
4. Assuming You’re Covered for Flood Damage
Most standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Unfortunately, floods happen anywhere, even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone.
Boyd Tip: Consider a dedicated flood policy to protect your home and belongings. Premiums are often more affordable than you think.
5. Not Preparing for the Claims Process
Insurance companies handle a surge of claims after a storm.
Missing documentation or unclear details can extend the process and delay your payout.
Boyd Tip: Keep your policy number, insurance contact information, photos of your property (before and after the storm), and contractor estimates in one place. Report your claim as soon as it’s safe to do so.
We offer GloveBox, a self-service portal that allows you to file your claim directly with your insurance carrier anytime, anywhere.
Protect Your Property Before a Hurricane Hits
Hurricane preparation isn’t just about plywood, sandbags, and bottled water.
Although important, it’s about having the right financial protection in place.
At Boyd Insurance & Investments, we know how to prepare for Florida storms.
Contact us today to review your hurricane insurance coverage so you can face the season with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before hurricane season to avoid insurance gaps?
How does a hurricane deductible work?
A hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a fixed dollar amount. Ask your agent to calculate the actual dollar cost so you know what you’d owe if damage occurs.
Why is a home inventory important?
Documenting your belongings with photos or video before a storm makes filing claims easier and faster—helping prove ownership and value of damaged items.
Does standard homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
No. Most basic homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. You’ll need a separate flood insurance policy to protect against flooding from hurricanes.
What should I do to prepare for the claims process?
Keep all policy details, contact info, photos (before & after), and contractor estimates organized. Report claims as soon as it’s safe to do so to avoid delays.
