As we move into hurricane season, it’s a good time for Florida homeowners to revisit some aspects of their insurance coverage—especially when it comes to flood protection and screened enclosures.
I’m Jake Holehouse, CEO of HH Insurance, and in this month’s newsletter, we’re highlighting a few common coverage areas that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Our aim is to help you feel confident and informed, no matter what this season brings.
Understanding Flood Insurance: More Than Just High-Risk Zones
A common misconception is that flood insurance is only necessary for those living in high-risk flood zones. The truth is, flooding can happen anywhere, and about 25% of flood claims actually come from areas not typically considered high risk.
So, what is preferred flood insurance?
Preferred flood insurance is an option for homeowners in areas where flood coverage isn’t required by a mortgage lender. It’s often available at lower rates and can provide valuable protection if unexpected weather leads to flooding.
Also important to note: standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. And while federal disaster assistance might be available in some situations, it’s usually a loan that needs to be paid back.
For many Floridians, having a dedicated flood policy—even in a lower-risk zone—can be a practical way to protect their property and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses later.
What About Coverage Limits?
If you do have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), it’s good to know that building coverage typically tops out at $250,000. In today’s market, with rising material and labor costs, that might not go as far as it once did.
That’s where excess flood coverage comes in.
This optional coverage provides protection beyond the NFIP’s limit and can be especially helpful if the cost to rebuild your home would exceed $250,000. However, it’s not available in every scenario—eligibility depends on factors like your home’s elevation, prior flood history, and compliance with current building codes.
If you’re unsure about your rebuild costs or whether excess flood coverage makes sense for your situation, we’re here to help walk you through the options.
Screened Enclosures: Check the Fine Print
Screened enclosures—especially those covering pools—are a popular feature in many Florida homes. But they can also be vulnerable during strong storms, and insurance coverage for these structures varies widely between carriers.
Some insurance providers include enclosure coverage in their standard policy, while others exclude it or offer it as an optional add-on. If you’ve recently added a screened enclosure or aren’t sure how yours is covered, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your policy before hurricane season gets underway.
A Few Simple Steps to Get Ready
You don’t need to overhaul your whole policy—but reviewing a few key areas now can help ensure your coverage still matches your needs:
-
Know your flood zone – FEMA updates maps periodically, so it’s worth checking to see if your property’s designation has changed.
-
Review your coverage limits – Make sure they align with today’s construction and replacement costs.
-
Take a fresh look at your policy – Especially if you’ve made home upgrades like a pool enclosure or other additions in the past year.
We’re Here If You Need Us
Insurance can feel complicated at times, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is always available to answer questions, explain options, or help you review your current policy—no pressure, just support.
Whether or not you make changes, knowing where you stand is always a good first step.
Wishing you a safe and smooth hurricane season!
**This blog provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy for full details about coverage. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract.