The most active part of the Atlantic hurricane season is approaching. Prior to its arrival — though this season could be "well below-normal" — Florida homeowners should make sure they have appropriate insurance coverage.
According to NOAA, the most hurricane activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
The current El Niño weather pattern could dampen chances of storm development, according to meteorologists from Colorado State University. Still, forecasters advised that "preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity."
Florida's Insurance Consumer Advocate suggests first determining your coverage needs, as types of insurance vary from general
dwelling coverage to more specific plans, like hurricane or windstorm coverage. As for flood insurance, coverage requires "a separate policy from your homeowners insurance policy."
Once you identify what kind of coverage you need, according to the website, you should seek out an insurance agent, identify property insurance companies in your area and compare "coverage and policy offerings."
How to get flood insurance in Florida, and who's required to have it
Homes and businesses in "high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders" are all required to have flood insurance, according to FEMA.
“Floods can happen anywhere. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage,” reads FEMA’s website. “Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important assets — your home, your business, your possessions.”
Managed by FEMA, The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses, which “helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede,” as few private homeowners' policies offer that coverage. Insurance is available to anyone living in a participating NFIP community, of which there are 22,600.
There's usually a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect.
How to know whether you live in a high-risk area
In order to determine whether your home or business is in a high-risk flood area, you can input your address on FEMA’s website.
You could need flood insurance whether you're in a high-risk zone or not, according to FEMA. If you live in an area with "low or moderate flood risk," you're still five times more likely to experience a flood than a fire at your home over the next 40 years.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Peak hurricane season nears. Florida residents should check coverage
