Hurricane Insurance in Miami: What You Really Need (And What You Think You Have)

"Hurricane insurance" does not exist as a standalone product. But there are three things that together form your hurricane protection. Many Miami homeowners do not have all three.

The Three Components

Component 1: Windstorm Coverage

This is in your homeowners insurance. It covers:

• Roof damage from wind
• Windows and doors blown in
• Debris impact
• Rain damage AFTER wind created an opening

Watch your deductible. In Florida you often have a separate hurricane deductible that is higher than your normal deductible. Typically 2-5% of your dwelling coverage.

Example:

• Dwelling coverage: $500,000
• Hurricane deductible: 2%
• You pay first: $10,000

Component 2: Flood Coverage

Your homeowners policy does NOT cover:

• Storm surge
• Rising water
• Flooding from rain

For this you need a separate flood policy. NFIP or private.

Critical: Hurricane damage is often MORE flood than wind. After Irma and Ian, many claims were flood-related.

If you have no flood insurance and storm surge fills your home, you get $0.

Component 3: Contents Coverage

Check your limits for personal property. After a hurricane you can lose:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Everything in garage/storage

Many people are underinsured on contents.

Hurricane Deductible: The Hidden Cost

In Florida there is a separate hurricane deductible. This is:

• A percentage (1%, 2%, 5%, 10%) of dwelling coverage
• OR a fixed amount
• Higher = lower premium, but more out-of-pocket at claim time

Choose consciously. A 5% deductible on a $600k home = $30,000 out of your pocket.

When Does Hurricane Deductible Apply?

The definition varies by policy, but usually:

• National Weather Service declares hurricane watch/warning
• And the storm causes damage

Some policies have "hurricane season deductible" (June-November) vs "named storm deductible."

Read. Your. Policy.

What If I Cannot Get Insurance?

If you have trouble getting windstorm coverage:

1. Citizens Insurance — the state-backed insurer of last resort
2. Surplus lines — non-admitted carriers (more expensive, less regulation)
3. Wind-only policies — separate from your homeowners

How Do I Check If I Am Covered?

Take your policy and check:

• Is wind/named storm covered?
• What is my hurricane/named storm deductible?
• Is flood covered SEPARATELY?
• What is my flood deductible?
• Are contents adequately covered?
• Is loss of use/additional living expenses covered?

If you cannot find something or do not understand, ask your agent.