Hurricane Season's Coming: Lock and Load Your Insurance, or You'll Draw First Blood!

The Storm is Coming...Are You Ready?

They say it's hurricane season. The weatherman on TV says it's gonna be a 'big one'. Reminds me of 'Nam. Only this time the enemy ain't Charlie. It's Mother Nature and she ain't showing no mercy. NOAA predicts 13 to 19 named storms some packing winds that'll rip your house apart like a cheap tent. Six to ten could turn into hurricanes and three to five could be major ones. This is no time to be a tourist people. This is war.

First Blood: Your Policy Limits

First thing you gotta do is check your limits the policy limits. That's how much the insurance company is willing to pay out when the stuff hits the fan. If your house gets wiped off the map will it cover the cost to rebuild? Think about it. 'They drew first blood not me.' Same with insurance. Don't let them draw first blood by leaving you underinsured. Rising construction costs? Renovations you forgot to tell them about? Time to update that policy soldier!

The Deductible Minefield

Next up: Deductibles. That's the amount you gotta pay outta your own pocket before the insurance kicks in. High deductible means lower premiums but it also means you're on the hook for more if a tree decides to redecorate your living room. And don't forget about wind deductibles. They can be a percentage of your policy which can be a real killer. Choose wisely because in this game every penny counts. I’ve lived through worse. You can’t save everyone.

Flood Insurance: Your Only Hope

Here's a hard truth: Your regular homeowner's insurance probably ain't gonna cover flooding. And guess what? Flooding causes 90% of disaster damage. So you need flood insurance. FEMA's got the National Flood Insurance Program or you can go private. But here's the kicker: there's a 30 day waiting period. You can't just buy it when the storm's knocking on your door. Get it now. It's like stocking up on ammo before the firefight.

Living for Nothing or Die for Something

Remember the insurance company is not your friend. They're in the business of making money not handing it out. You need to be proactive. Review your policy annually understand your coverage and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't they'll take you for a ride. "To survive a war you gotta become war."

Nothing is Over!

So listen up! Hurricane season is here. Get your house in order review your insurance and be prepared. Because when that storm hits you're on your own. 'Live for nothing or die for something.' Make sure you’re insured so you can live for something!