Understanding Hurricane Insurance: A Combination of Homeowners, Flood, and Windstorm Policies
There is no single 'hurricane insurance' policy; instead, comprehensive protection against hurricane damage in the U.S. requires a combination of different insurance types. A standard homeowners insurance policy (HO-3) typically covers wind-related damage, such as roof damage, structural damage, and personal property damage caused by wind or wind-driven rain, provided the wind created the initial opening. However, homeowners policies explicitly exclude flood damage, which includes rising water from storm surge, rainfall accumulation, or overflowing rivers and lakes. To cover flood-related losses, individuals must purchase a separate flood insurance policy, either through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In many coastal states, standard homeowners insurance policies may also exclude wind coverage entirely or cap it at insufficient levels, necessitating a separate windstorm policy or endorsement. These specialized windstorm policies are common in states like Florida, Texas, L...
