Hurricane & storm season: what to know
The U.S. hurricane season generally runs June through November. Here's a general, educational look at how storm-related insurance coverage typically works — not advice for your specific policy or location.
About this guide: this is a general seasonal awareness guide built from public concepts, not personalized advice. Exact timing, rules, and available coverage vary by state, insurer, and individual policy. This site provides general educational information only. Insurance is regulated by state and rates vary widely. Consult a licensed professional or insurer for advice specific to your situation. Data is based on publicly available averages and may not reflect current individual rates.
What's typically covered vs. what usually needs separate coverage
Standard homeowners and renters policies generally treat wind as a covered peril, but water that rises from the ground up — flooding — is usually excluded and needs its own policy.
Typically covered by a standard policy
- Wind and hail damage to a covered structure
- Wind-driven rain that enters through storm-created openings (like a damaged roof or broken window)
- A tree falling on a covered structure due to wind
- Comprehensive auto coverage typically covers wind, hail, or flood damage to a vehicle — but comprehensive is an optional coverage some drivers don't carry
Usually needs separate flood coverage
- Storm surge or rising floodwater entering from outside
- Water backing up through drains or sewers during heavy rain (often needs a specific endorsement)
- Many coastal and flood-zone properties carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer, separate from a standard homeowners or renters policy
- Renters: a landlord's policy covers the building, not a tenant's belongings — flood damage to personal property usually needs the renter's own coverage
General seasonal prep checklist
These are common, general prep habits — not a personalized recommendation for your home or policy.
A general claims tip for storm damage
After a storm, it's common practice to document damage with photos or video before making any temporary repairs (like tarping a roof), and to keep receipts for those temporary repairs. In many coastal states, a hurricane or named-storm deductible is a separate, often percentage-based deductible that applies only to storm claims — it's usually listed on the policy's declarations page.
Myth vs. fact
“My homeowners policy covers flood damage.” ▼
Myth. Standard homeowners and renters policies generally exclude flood damage as a covered peril.
Fact: Flood coverage is usually a separate policy, commonly through the NFIP or a private flood insurer.