Seasonal Risks: How to Adjust Your Home Insurance for Winter Storms, Wildfires, and Hurricanes

As the seasons change, so do the risks to your home. Winter storms, wildfires and hurricanes each bring unique challenges that can impact your property. Adjusting your home insurance to cover these seasonal risks is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind.

Insurance for Winter Storms

Winter storms can cause significant damage through heavy snowfall, ice and freezing temperatures. To prepare for these risks:

• Increase coverage for structural damage. Ensure your policy covers damage from the weight of snow and ice on your roof.

• Add coverage for burst pipes. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to water damage. Verify that your policy includes this coverage.

• Consider temporary living expenses. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage, having coverage for temporary living expenses can be invaluable.

Insurance for Wildfires

Wildfires are becoming more common and can devastate entire communities. To protect your home:

• Check fire damage coverage. Ensure your policy covers fire damage, including the cost of rebuilding your home.

• Evaluate personal property coverage. Make sure your belongings are adequately covered. High-value items may need additional coverage.

• Add landscaping coverage—Wildfires can destroy landscaping, which can be expensive to replace. Consider adding this to your policy.

Insurance for Hurricanes

Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rain and flooding. To mitigate these risks, consider the following coverage:

• Wind damage coverage—Verify that your policy covers wind damage, including damage to roofs, windows and doors.

• Flood insurance—Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy.

• Hurricane deductible—Some policies have a separate deductible for hurricane damage. Understand how this works and ensure you can afford it if needed.

Learn More

By proactively adjusting your home insurance to address seasonal risks, you can protect your home and help ensure you’re prepared for whatever nature throws your way. Contact First Community Insurance & Annuity Center for recommended policy adjustments based on your specific needs and risks.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.