Hurricane Prep: What Your Policy Should Cover

How To Prepare Your Home For Late-Season Tropical Storms and Hurricane Season (And What Your Policy Should Cover) 

Updated: August 18, 2025

As hurricane season approaches, homeowners across coastal and storm-prone states are urged to take proactive steps to protect their property and finances. Preparing your home for a hurricane involves more than securing windows and stocking up on supplies—it also means understanding precisely what your homeowners’ insurance policy covers before a storm strikes.

At All Pro Coverage, we help families and property owners get the proper protection before, during, and after disaster strikes. Here’s your essential guide to preparing your home for hurricane season and reviewing your insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters

Hurricanes bring high winds, torrential rain, flooding, and the potential for widespread damage. In 2024 alone, storms caused over $60 billion in property losses across the U.S. Many of those losses weren’t fully covered because homeowners didn’t realize their policies excluded certain damages.

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with August and September typically being the most active months. Don’t wait until a named storm is approaching to prepare. By acting early, you can minimize damage, avoid last-minute chaos, and protect your financial future.

Hurricane Season Home Preparation Checklist

1. Secure Your Roof and Gutters
   Loose shingles or clogged gutters can turn into significant problems during a storm. Hire a licensed contractor to inspect and reinforce your roof. Clear gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
2. Protect Windows and Doors
   Install storm shutters or use plywood to reinforce windows and glass doors. Ensure door seals are intact to prevent water intrusion. Garages should also be braced or reinforced.
3. Trim Trees and Clear Debris
   Falling limbs and wind-blown yard debris are familiar sources of damage. Trim dead branches, remove weak trees, and clear loose items, such as patio furniture or yard decorations.
4. Secure Important Documents
   Store insurance policies, birth certificates, and other essential documents in a waterproof container or a cloud-based backup. If evacuation becomes necessary, you’ll want these to be easily accessible.
5. Prepare an Emergency Kit
   Stock your kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, medications, and a backup power source for phones or radios. Don’t forget supplies for pets.

What Your Insurance Policy Should Cover

Every homeowner’s policy is different, so it’s vital to know what is—and isn’t—included. Here’s what to check:

✔️ Wind Damage
Most standard policies cover wind damage. However, some coastal areas have exclusions or require a separate windstorm deductible. Confirm with your agent.

✔️ Hurricane Deductibles
Hurricane deductibles are often a percentage of your home’s insured value—typically 1% to 5%—rather than a flat dollar amount. Make sure you’re financially prepared for this.

✔️ Flooding
Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. You’ll need a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender may require you to have flood insurance.

✔️ Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, ALE coverage can pay for hotel stays, temporary housing, and meal expenses. This coverage is beneficial during long recovery periods.

Schedule A Policy Review Before The Storm Hits

At All Pro Coverage, we offer free policy reviews to ensure your home and assets are fully protected ahead of hurricane season. We’ll walk you through coverage options, identify any gaps, and help you secure affordable and reliable protection tailored to your home’s location and risk level.

🛠️ Need Help Getting Ready?

Don’t wait until a hurricane is forecasted.
Contact All Pro Coverage today to schedule your free homeowners insurance review and get customized coverage for hurricane season. Whether you’re buying a new home, updating an older policy, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at (888) 858-1777
🌐 Visit us at www.allprocoverage.com