Hurricane Season 2025 Insurance Guide

The 2025 Hurricane Season may have gotten off to a slow start, with only four named storms through Aug. 7, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns against complacency with September the busiest month for hurricanes in the Atlantic season.

“As the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season enters its historical peak, atmospheric and oceanic conditions continue to favor an above-normal season as NOAA first predicted in May,” said NOAA, which updated the number of expected named storms to 13-18 (with winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 5-9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 or greater), including 2-5 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).

Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says that NOAA stands ready to provide forecasts and warnings that are vital for safeguarding lives, property, and communities

“As we enter the second half of the season, this updated hurricane outlook serves as a call to action to prepare now, in advance, rather than delay until a warning is issued,” advised Grimm.

Part of those precautions, says the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), is to make sure you have reviewed your insurance policies before you are faced with a hurricane.

“Don’t wait until after you have a loss to check your insurance—review your homeowners or renters policies to make sure you have the right coverage in the event you're hit with a destructive storm,” says the Triple-I.

2025 Hurricane Insurance and Preparedness Checklist

When the NOAA warns of an above-normal hurricane season, the smartest move you can make is to review your insurance coverage before a storm is in the forecast. This guide breaks down the key coverage checks, home and business protection tips, and FEMA assistance resources you need to be ready.

1. Make Sure Your Home’s Structure Is Properly Insured

Standard homeowners’ insurance usually covers hurricane and windstorm damage, but the payout after a major storm depends on your coverage choices.

Key Action Steps:

• Review your policy limits – The cost to rebuild is different from your home’s real estate value. Contact your insurance professional to confirm you’re insured for today’s rebuilding costs in your area.
• Understand your hurricane or windstorm deductible – These are often separate from your standard deductible and may be 1–5 percent of your home’s insured value. In high-risk coastal zones, they may be higher.
• Know your exclusions – Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding, and flood risk is high in hurricanes. Consider:

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurance
• Sewer backup coverage (not included in standard or flood insurance) 

• If you own a condo or co-op – Find out what the building’s master policy covers and what you need to insure separately.

2. Protect Your Personal Belongings

After a hurricane, replacing your possessions can be as costly as repairing your home.

Key Action Steps:

• Create a home inventory – List your possessions with photos or videos. This speeds claims, supports tax deductions, and proves losses for disaster aid.
• Check your personal property coverage – Homeowners policies usually cover personal property for 50–70 percent of your dwelling limit. Renters need their own policy—landlord coverage won’t replace your belongings.
• Choose replacement cost coverage rather than actual cash value for higher reimbursement.

3. Review Your Additional Living Expense (ALE) Coverage

If your home becomes uninhabitable, ALE covers extra costs like hotel stays and meals.

Key Action Steps:

• Check your ALE limit—typically 20 percent of your dwelling coverage—and consider raising it if you live in a high-cost area.
• Confirm time limits—some policies limit ALE to a set number of months. 
• If you rent part of your home, ensure lost rental income coverage matches current rental rates.

4. Six Essential Steps to Hurricane-Proof Your Property & Plan Ahead

   Step 1 – Plan Your Evacuation Route

• Identify multiple destinations: friends/family inland, hotels, or shelters. 
• Plan for pets—many shelters do not accept them. 
• Keep important documents in a waterproof, grab-and-go folder. 

   Step 2 – Stock Emergency Supplies
   Have these ready before hurricane season begins:

• 14-day water supply (1 gallon per person/day) 
• Non-perishable food 
• Flashlights, batteries, candles 
• NOAA weather radio 
• First-aid kit, prescription medications 
• COVID-19 supplies 
• Tools for temporary repairs (plywood, tarps, nails) 

   Step 3 – Secure Your Home

• Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows. 
• Reinforce doors and garage doors. 
• Seal wall openings and replace loose roofing materials. 
• Trim trees and remove potential wind-borne debris. 

   Step 4 – Protect Your Business

• Develop a written emergency and continuity plan. 
• Back up digital records offsite or in the cloud. 
• Update employee, supplier, and vendor contact lists. 
• Review business interruption insurance and commercial property coverage. 

   Step 5 – Review & Update Insurance Policies

• Ask your insurance broker to go over:

• Dwelling limits 
• Hurricane/windstorm deductibles 
• Flood and sewer backup coverage options 
• ALE and business interruption limits 

• Keep your insurance professional’s contact info with your evacuation kit. 

   Step 6 – Keep a Digital & Physical Home Inventory

• Store copies in the cloud and in your evacuation “go bag.” 
• Photograph valuable items with serial numbers if available. 

5. When a Hurricane Watch or Warning Is Issued

If a Hurricane Watch (24–36 hours out) Is Announced:

• Fill your gas tank and fully charge electronics. 
• Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and unsecured items. 
• Prepare plywood/storm shutters for installation. 
• Double-check your evacuation plan. 

If a Hurricane Warning (within 24 hours) Is Announced:

• Install shutters/board up windows. 
• Lower antennas and retract awnings. 
• Move vehicles to higher ground. 
• Have survival supplies ready to go. 

6. Safety During and After the Storm

During the storm:

• Stay indoors and away from windows—even during the eye. 
• Shelter in an interior, windowless room. 
• Keep communication devices and radios handy. 

After the storm:

• Watch for downed power lines, unstable trees, and weakened structures. 
• Boil municipal water until declared safe. 
• Document all damage with photos before beginning temporary repairs. 

7. Filing Claims and Seeking FEMA Assistance

If your property is damaged:

• Notify your insurance professional immediately. 
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage—keep all receipts. 
• Get written repair estimates and hire only licensed, reputable contractors. 

If you live in a federally declared disaster area:

• Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.
• Apply for assistance, even if you have insurance—you may be eligible for expenses your policy does not cover.
• Be prepared for an inspection; have your home inventory and damage photos ready. 
• Keep receipts for ALE expenses—FEMA or your insurer may require them. 

Dean & Draper Can Ensure You Have the Right Protection

The 2025 hurricane season is far from over. By reviewing your insurance coverage now, securing your home or business, and knowing your evacuation and recovery plans, you can face the rest of the season with greater confidence.

Dean & Draper can help ensure you have the right protection in place — before the next storm is on the horizon. Schedule a free consultation today to find a personalized insurance program that safeguards what is important to you.

The recommendation(s), advice, and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential, or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking, or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.