🌀 5 Hurricane Season Tips for Your Homeowners Insurance

Protecting Your Florida Home Starts with the Right Coverage

Hurricane season is here—and if you live in Florida, especially in coastal communities like Port St. Lucie, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, Cocoa Beach, or Merritt Island, preparing your home and insurance policy is a must. Storms don’t just test your roof—they test your coverage.

Craig Appleman, a Florida-licensed independent insurance agent with North Broward Insurance Solutions, has helped homeowners across the state before, during, and after storms. Whether you’re buying a new policy, renewing, or already have prior claims, Craig is ready to walk you through your options.

Here are five essential hurricane tips to make sure your insurance policy is as ready as your hurricane shutters:

1. Understand Your Hurricane Deductible

Unlike your standard deductible, your hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage—typically 2% to 10%. That means if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you’re responsible for the first $6,000 of storm damage. Make sure you know what yours is, so you’re not surprised after the storm.

2. Review Your Roof Coverage

Your roof is your first line of defense. Insurance companies are increasingly strict about roof age and condition. If your roof is over 15 years old, your insurer may depreciate the value or exclude full replacement. Ask Craig to help you find policies that still offer Replacement Cost Value (RCV), even for older roofs.

3. Don’t Rely on Citizens If You Don’t Have To

While Citizens Property Insurance is a lifeline for many, it often comes with limitations, such as no bundled discounts or strict underwriting. Craig works with multiple private carriers that may offer better coverage and competitive rates—even if you’ve had prior claims or live in a coastal ZIP code.

4. Be Proactive with Documentation

Before the storm hits, take photos and videos of your home and belongings. This makes filing a claim easier and faster. Store them in a secure cloud or email them to yourself. If you need help understanding what’s covered (like contents vs. dwelling), Craig can walk you through it.

5. Loss of Use = Peace of Mind

If your home is damaged and unlivable, Loss of Use coverage pays for temporary living expenses. Not all policies offer the same limits—make sure you have enough to cover rent, hotels, or even pet boarding. Craig can help you ensure this crucial benefit is included and adequate.

🧭 Need Help Navigating the Storm Insurance Market?

Whether you live in South Florida, the Treasure Coast, or along the Space Coast, Craig Appleman is here to help you protect what matters most. As a Florida Independent Insurance Agent, he shops multiple carriers to help you find the best coverage at the most cost-effective rate—even if you’ve had prior storm damage or claims.

📞 Call Craig Appleman today at 954-368-0060, x 4 or email [email protected]

📧 Visit northbrowardinsurance.com to request your free, no-obligation policy review.

Let’s weather the season with confidence—together.

Written by Craig Appleman, Independent Insurance Broker in Florida
Craig Appleman is a licensed Florida insurance broker with Barefoot Insurance Brokers and North Broward Insurance Solutions. Craig specializes in personal and commercial insurance products, including auto, homeowners, boat, flood, and business insurance coverage. Craig proudly serves clients across Florida with tailored insurance solutions from top-rated carriers like Mercury, GEICO, Progressive, and more.

For expert insurance advice and custom quotes, call 954637-3481 or visit www.northbrowardinsurance.com.