As we head into the summer months, many of us are eagerly anticipating beach days, barbecues and, if you are anything like me, sub-par rounds of golf. However, for those living in hurricane-prone regions, the season brings a sense of apprehension and preparation. With the 2024 hurricane season looming, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of our families, homes, and businesses.

Unfortunately, it appears that the 2024 hurricane season is on par to keep up with the higher-than-normal activity trend of the past few years. Meteorologists predict that the 2024 hurricane season could be particularly active, with an above-average number of storms expected. While it's impossible to predict the exact trajectory and intensity of each storm, it's essential to be prepared for whatever may come our way.

In this month’s edition of Integrated Monthly, we will review a few essential and critical tips to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. While claims are ultimately inevitable, being as prepared as possible is a crucial way to help keep any losses and claims at a minimum.

Impact on Insurance

One of the most significant concerns during hurricane season is the potential impact on insurance. Homeowners, renters, and business owners alike should review their insurance policies to understand their coverage in the event of a hurricane. Standard homeowner's insurance typically covers damage caused by wind but may not include coverage for flooding. Although, over the past couple years, many insurance carriers are now excluding wind coverage in standard policies in coastal areas. Therefore, it's essential to carefully review your insurance policies and talk with your agent about securing additional coverage, if needed.

Additionally, businesses should review their commercial property insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for potential hurricane damage. Business interruption insurance can also provide financial protection in the event that operations are temporarily halted due to a hurricane.

Tips for Preparation

Preparation is key to minimizing the impact of hurricanes on our lives and properties. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season:

1)      First and foremost, the most important item by far is the safety of you and your loved ones. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a designated meeting place. Practice drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a hurricane. If you are ordered to evacuate, however inconvenient it may be, always follow your local government and law enforcement's evacuation guidance. 

2)      Stock Up on Supplies: Gather essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Don't forget to include supplies for your pets as well!

3)      Secure Your Property: Trim trees and shrubs around your home to reduce the risk of damage from falling branches. Install storm shutters or plywood to protect windows and doors from high winds. Secure outdoor furniture and other loose items that could become projectiles during a storm.

4)      Backup Important Documents: Make digital copies of important documents such as insurance policies, identification, and medical records. Store them in a waterproof and fireproof container or upload them to a secure cloud storage service.

5)      Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and heed any evacuation orders issued by authorities. Keep a battery-powered radio or NOAA Weather Radio on hand for updates during power outages.

6)      Know Your Deductible: Remember that not every property damage claim must be filed through your insurance. While it is never an easy pill to swallow, paying out of pocket for minor property damage will only save you from increased premiums down the road. Review your policy to know your property deductible and applicable coverages to be able to make educated decisions on whether or not a claim is worth filing. When in doubt, talk with your agent to review the best course of action regarding any losses. 

7)      Don’t Wait to Obtain Insurance Coverage: Many, if not all, property insurance carriers will impose binding restrictions on writing new policies within a certain timeframe before a predicted storm. Always make sure your policies are up to date, in good standing, and in force well before a storm is predicted. Waiting until the last minute may expose you to unprotected property.

By taking these proactive measures, we can better protect ourselves, our families, and our properties from the potential impacts of hurricanes. Let's make safety a top priority as we navigate the 2024 hurricane season together. Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay informed.

To stay up to date, be sure to visit The National Hurricane Center’s website for the latest real-time storm updates National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov).

For more details on the 2024 Hurricane Season predictions visit NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The above insight is intended for informational purposes only. For exact coverages regarding your insurance policies, please consult with your agent or reach out to Integrated Insurance Solutions for a no obligation policy audit and review. 

Insight provided by:

Kevin Bromley

Commercial Lines Manager- NC Office

Integrated Insurance Solutions

15050 Choate Circle Ste H, Charlotte, NC 28273

704-579-6090 | Kbromley@integrated-usa.com