Review your policy details on the National Flood Insurance Program portal or consult the NC Coastal Home Insurance Checklist to verify windstorm deductibles and coverage limits before a storm approaches.
Along the North Carolina coast, hurricane season officially spans June 1 to November 30, though the peak risk for our region usually hits from late summer into fall. When it comes to storm insurance, the key takeaway is straightforward: the moment to lock in the right coverage is right now, long before any storm earns a name. Once a tropical system is officially named, most carriers freeze changes to policies which is why a checklist tackled in July is worth so much more than a frantic scramble in September.
Three pillars guide everything we do—helping you find the right coverage, options, and dedicated service.
Standard policies exclude flood damage; buy separate protection early due to the 30-day waiting period.
Locate separate hurricane or windstorm percentage deductibles.
Take clear video and photos of every room and high-value item.
Digitally and in print:
A quick checklist to confirm your coverage, understand your deductibles, and get the right policies in force before a named storm is offshore.
Start by confirming what each of your policies actually covers and for how much. Your dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild today, not what you paid for the home, since coastal construction and labor costs have risen and an outdated limit can leave you paying the gap after a major loss. Check your limits for other structures, personal property, and loss of use as well. If anything looks thin or out of date, we can review it with you and adjust before hurricane season is underway.
Most coastal policies carry a separate named-storm or hurricane deductible that works differently from your standard one. Rather than a flat dollar amount, it is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, often between 1% and 5%, which can come to thousands of dollars before your policy begins to pay. Find that percentage on your declarations page now and do the math on what it means for your home, so the number is never a surprise in the middle of a claim.
When a storm is on the way, you should not be searching for policy numbers. Pull together your homeowners, wind, and flood declarations pages, your agent contact information, and each carrier claims phone number in one place. Keep a printed copy in a waterproof container and a digital copy in the cloud or emailed to yourself, so you can start a claim even if you evacuate or lose power. A few minutes of organizing now can save hours later.
A documented home inventory is one of the fastest ways to settle a claim fairly. Walk through every room and take date-stamped photos or video of your belongings, valuable items, and the overall condition of your home inside and out. Record model and serial numbers for electronics and appliances where you can. Store it off-site or in the cloud so it survives the storm, giving you clear proof of what you owned and its condition beforehand, which makes reimbursement far smoother.
Taking reasonable steps to limit damage protects your home and strengthens any claim you may need to file. Put up storm shutters or board vulnerable windows, trim weak and overhanging branches, clear gutters and drains, and secure or bring inside anything the wind could turn into a projectile, such as patio furniture, grills, and trash cans. Know where your water shutoff is and how to cut power safely if flooding threatens. Preventing damage is always better than filing for it.
Coverage protects your property; a plan protects your family. Build a kit with several days of water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers, and keep a smaller version in your vehicle. Agree on an evacuation route, a meeting place, and an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with, and make sure each person knows where your insurance documents and home inventory are kept. Set the plan before the season starts so that when it counts, you can focus on getting to safety.
A quick checklist to report your losses, prevent further damage, and document everything before you rebuild.
Once it's safe to do so, contact your carrier or agent as soon as possible to start your claim. Most policies require timely notice, and delays can complicate the process or even affect your coverage. Have your policy number and a general description of the damage ready, and ask about your claim number, adjuster contact, and any next steps or deadlines specific to your policy.
Before you clean up or start any repairs, take thorough photos and video of all damage, inside and out. Capture wide shots of each room or area as well as close-ups of specific damage, and don't forget the roof, fencing, outbuildings, and landscaping. This documentation is often the strongest evidence for your claim, so it's worth taking the time to be thorough before anything is moved or repaired.
Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a loss, such as tarping a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows. These repairs should be temporary and minimal, just enough to stop the damage from getting worse. Keep in mind that permanent repairs typically shouldn't begin until your adjuster has inspected the property or given the go-ahead.
Save every receipt related to your temporary repairs and any additional living expenses, such as hotel stays or meals, if your home becomes uninhabitable. Keep a written log of who you spoke with, when, and what was discussed, whether it's your adjuster, a contractor, or our office. Good records make the claims process smoother and help ensure you're reimbursed for everything you're entitled to.
Hurricane season is here and The Insurance Center is gearing up for what is forecasted to be an active season in the Atlantic. As your insurance agency, we want to ensure that you have everything you need to ensure a quick response in the event a storm damages your property.
After a storm our office will be open and ready to assist as soon as it's safe to do so. We remain committed to having all lines of communication open and our offices are equipped with generator systems and multiple layers of redundancy so that we can remain open to serve you.
Should you need assistance during the claims process, "We'll Be There". However, the best and most efficient way to report your claims is directly with your insurance carrier. Doing so speeds up the process, ensures prompt claims handling and adjuster assignment.
To be prepared in the event of a storm we recommend the following: