Most Florida homeowners think "hurricane damage" and "storm damage" mean the same thing. Wind knocked something down. Now there's a claim to file. But for insurance purposes, that label matters a lot. It decides which deductible applies to your loss. And the gap between those two numbers can be thousands of dollars. This guide covers what actually makes a storm a "hurricane" under a Florida policy. It explains how that separate deductible works, what counts as ordinary storm

When a hurricane hits South Florida, the damage happens fast. What follows — the insurance claim process — happens slowly. And for most homeowners, it's the slower part that costs them the most money. Florida has more hurricane insurance claims than any other state. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters, legal teams, and decades of claims data on their side. Most homeowners have never filed a major hurricane claim before. That experience gap shows up directly in sett

June 1 marks the official start of Atlantic hurricane season — and in South Florida, that date isn't a formality. It's a deadline. Every year, homeowners across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County are caught off guard — not by the storms themselves, but by what happens after. Underpaid claims. Denied coverage. Insurance policies that don't cover what homeowners assumed they would. Documentation that wasn't done before the damage occurred. The time to prepare for a hurr

Learn how to prepare a comprehensive hurricane preparedness kit for South Florida homeowners. Get expert tips and ensure your safety this hu

As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial to have a well-thought-out emergency plan to ensure your family’s safety. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a comprehensive hurricane emergency plan for families. 1. Know Your Shelter Locations Identify safe places to seek shelter in case of a storm. These can include: Local shelters: Find out where the nearest hurricane shelters are located. Visit FEMA's Shelter Locator Friends or family: Arrange to stay with fr

Hurricanes are a part of life in South Florida. The state averages two to three hurricane landfalls each year, and some years bring more than that. With this much activity, it’s essential to take steps before the storm arrives to make sure that your family is safe and secure. Prepare for a hurricane long before it arrives. If you live in South Florida, a hurricane-prone area, you know that the time to prepare is now. While it's important to be aware of the weather and take ap