Hurricane Season Prep: Essential Insurance Tips for Rio Grande Valley Homeowners

Living in the Rio Grande Valley means preparing for hurricane season every year. Here’s what you need to know to protect your home and navigate insurance claims.

Understanding Your Coverage

Homeowners Insurance vs. Flood Insurance

Homeowners Insurance Covers:

• Wind damage to your home and belongings
• Rain damage from roof/window breaches
• Debris removal
• Additional living expenses

Flood Insurance Covers:

• Rising water damage
• Storm surge
• Overflow from water bodies
• Sewer backup (with endorsement)

Important: Separate Policies Required

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy through NFIP or private carriers.

Pre-Season Preparation

1. Review Your Coverage

• Check policy limits - Ensure adequate dwelling coverage
• Verify deductibles - Hurricane deductibles are often percentage-based
• Update inventory - Document all belongings with photos/video
• Consider additional coverage - Jewelry, art, electronics

2. Document Your Property

• Take exterior photos from all angles
• Record interior of every room
• Photograph valuable items individually
• Store documentation in cloud storage
• Keep receipts for major purchases

3. Understand Your Deductibles

Hurricane Deductible:

• Often 2-10% of dwelling coverage
• Applied when National Weather Service declares hurricane
• Much higher than standard $500-2,500 deductible

Example: $300,000 dwelling coverage with 5% hurricane deductible = $15,000 out-of-pocket

During the Storm

Safety First

• Follow evacuation orders
• Never stay for insurance documentation
• Keep important documents with you

If You Must Stay

• Document damage as it occurs (safely)
• Take photos of leaks, flooding, wind damage
• Note time and date of damage
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs

After the Storm

Immediate Steps

1. Ensure safety - Check for structural damage, gas leaks, electrical issues
2. Contact your agent - Report claims as soon as possible
3. Prevent further damage - Make temporary repairs, cover holes
4. Document everything - Photograph all damage before cleanup
5. Keep receipts - Save all storm-related expenses

Filing Your Claim

Information You’ll Need:

• Policy number
• Date and time of damage
• Description of what happened
• Photos of damage
• List of damaged/destroyed items

Adjuster Visit Tips:

• Be present during inspection
• Point out all damage
• Provide documentation
• Ask questions about coverage
• Get written estimates for repairs

Common Coverage Gaps

What’s Often NOT Covered

• Flood damage (requires separate policy)
• Storm surge (flood insurance)
• Earth movement (landslides, sinkholes)
• Pool/spa damage (check policy)
• Landscaping (limited coverage)
• Detached structures (separate limit)

Maximizing Your Coverage

• Guaranteed replacement cost - Covers rebuilding regardless of limit
• Extended replacement cost - Additional 25-50% coverage
• Ordinance or law coverage - Updates to current building codes
• Service line coverage - Underground utility repairs

Money-Saving Tips

Hurricane Mitigation Discounts

• Impact windows/shutters - 10-45% discount
• Reinforced roofing - Significant savings
• Secure doors - Additional discount
• Safe rooms - Premium reductions

Other Discounts

• New home discounts
• Gated community discounts
• Multi-policy bundling
• Claims-free discounts

Flood Insurance Essentials

Key Facts

• 30-day waiting period - Buy before you need it
• $250,000 dwelling limit - Additional coverage available privately
• $100,000 contents limit - Covers personal property
• Basement limitations - Very limited coverage

When You Need It

• All homeowners in flood zones
• Even outside flood zones (25% of claims)
• Condos need contents coverage
• Renters should consider contents coverage

Working with Your Agent

A good agent will:

• Review coverage annually
• Explain deductibles clearly
• Help with mitigation discounts
• Guide you through claims process
• Advocate for fair settlements

Emergency Contacts

Keep These Numbers Ready:

• Insurance agent/company
• Mortgage company
• Utility companies
• Contractors for emergency repairs
• FEMA (for disaster assistance)

Conclusion

Proper preparation and understanding your coverage can make the difference between a manageable recovery and financial disaster. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching – review your coverage now.

Need help reviewing your hurricane coverage? Contact Jerry Molina Insurance for a comprehensive policy review and flood insurance quotes.