Hurricane Insurance Gaps

2026 Hurricane Prep Starts Now: Reviewing Your Policy for Hidden Gaps

 

Why Next Year’s Storm Season Starts With This Year’s Policy Review

It might seem early, but if you wait until hurricane season begins to review your insurance coverage, you’re already behind. In Florida, where wind, water, and rising storm activity are becoming more common, many homeowners are unknowingly exposed to hurricane insurance gaps—the silent threat hiding in plain sight.

From missing endorsements to misleading limits, these gaps often only come to light after a storm, and by then, it’s too late to make changes.

This guide walks you through how to review your policy now, what red flags to look for, and how to protect your home and finances before the 2026 hurricane season hits.

 

What Are Hurricane Insurance Gaps?

Hurricane insurance gaps are exclusions, limitations, or overlooked provisions in your policy that prevent you from receiving full compensation after a storm. These may include:

• Inadequate coverage limits for rebuilding

• Separate, high deductibles for hurricane or windstorm damage

• Exclusions for flooding or mold

• Missing endorsements for screen enclosures, fences, or solar panels

• Denials for code upgrades or ordinance and law requirements

• No coverage for additional living expenses during displacement

The fine print can cost you thousands. Identifying and closing these gaps now is your best protection for the 2026 hurricane season.

 

Florida’s Hurricane Coverage Landscape

Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover everything. In fact, most policies issued in Florida include:

• Hurricane deductibles of 2% to 10% of your dwelling limit

• Exclusions for flood, mold, or sewer backup unless separately endorsed

• Limited coverage for pool cages, sheds, and detached structures

• Strict timelines for reporting damage (often within 1 year or less)

• Requirements for “prompt notice” that are open to interpretation

Understanding these provisions is key to avoiding the impact of hurricane insurance gaps.

 

6 Hidden Gaps to Look for in Your Policy Today

1. High Hurricane Deductible

Many homeowners don’t realize their deductible for hurricane damage is much higher than for other losses. If your policy has a 5% hurricane deductible on a $400,000 home, you’ll be responsible for the first $20,000 out of pocket.

Ask your carrier what your hurricane deductible is and whether it can be adjusted.

 

2. No Flood Insurance

Flooding is the #1 cause of storm damage in Florida, yet it’s not included in standard homeowners insurance. FEMA flood insurance or private flood policies must be purchased separately, and often have a 30-day waiting period.

If you live in Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Pete, flood coverage is essential.

 

3. No Ordinance or Law Coverage

If your home was built before modern building codes, your repairs after a storm must meet today’s standards. That can include:

• Upgrading roof tie-downs

• Raising HVAC units

• Replacing outdated electrical or plumbing systems

Without ordinance and law coverage, you may pay these costs yourself, making it one of the most costly hurricane insurance gaps.

 

4. Missing ALE (Additional Living Expenses) Coverage

If your home becomes uninhabitable after a hurricane, will your policy pay for:

• Hotel stays

• Temporary rentals

• Restaurant meals

• Laundry and relocation expenses?

This is called ALE or loss of use coverage. If it’s not clearly included or limited to a small amount, you’ll be footing those bills.

 

5. Excluded Structures or Features

Policies often limit or exclude coverage for:

• Pool cages or screen enclosures

• Fencing

• Detached garages or sheds

• Boat docks or seawalls

• Solar panels or battery banks

Check your declarations page and ask your insurer for any riders or endorsements that may be required to protect these features.

 

6. No Mold or Water Backup Coverage

After a storm, water damage can lead to mold growth and sewer backups—both of which are often excluded without specific endorsements.

Mold remediation alone can cost tens of thousands. If your policy caps mold at $10,000 or excludes it entirely, it’s time to reconsider your coverage.

 

How to Review Your Policy for Gaps

Start with these action steps:

1. Request a Full Copy of Your Policy – Not just the declarations page, but all terms, endorsements, and exclusions.

2. Locate Deductibles and Limits – Pay attention to “Hurricane,” “Windstorm,” and “All Peril” deductibles.

3. Check Named Perils vs. All Risk – Does your policy cover all risks unless excluded, or only specific named perils?

4. Search for Exclusions – Scan for the words “mold,” “flood,” “law,” and “ordinance.”

5. Review Time Limits – What is your window for reporting a claim or supplemental damage?

If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, a public adjuster can help review your policy and point out any serious hurricane insurance gaps at no cost.

 

When Can You Make Changes?

Before hurricane season begins. Most insurance companies enforce a moratorium on policy changes once a named storm is approaching. That means:

• No new policies

• No adding flood insurance

• No increasing coverage limits

• No changing deductibles or endorsements

That’s why now—months before the 2026 season—is the time to act.

 

What If You Discover a Gap Too Late?

If your home is damaged in a future storm and you learn too late that a key peril wasn’t covered, your options are limited. You can:

• Seek a supplemental claim if there’s underpayment

• Appeal denials based on ambiguous policy language

• Retain a public adjuster to document and negotiate

• Consider litigation if the denial is in bad faith

But none of these are guaranteed. Prevention is the best protection.

 

Why Work With a Public Adjuster Before the Storm?

Most homeowners are unaware that they can consult a licensed public adjuster before a storm occurs.

Right Way Public Adjusting offers pre-storm claim preparation, including:

• Policy review to uncover hidden exclusions or weak coverage

• Property documentation (photos/videos) for future reference

• Claims education to understand what to do after a storm

• Risk assessment for roof age, windows, and vulnerable structures

Getting expert advice now is the most proactive way to close hurricane insurance gaps before they become costly.

 

Final Thoughts: A Policy Review Today Can Save You Thousands in 2026

Florida homeowners can’t afford to assume their policy is comprehensive. In today’s increasingly competitive insurance market, policies are becoming more limited and complex.

The good news? You still have time to review, revise, and reinforce your coverage before hurricane season begins again.

 

Schedule Your Free Policy Review Today

Call Right Way Public Adjusting at (877) 744-8929

We help homeowners across Tampa Bay uncover hurricane insurance gaps, document pre-storm conditions, and advocate for maximum payouts after the storm.