Homeowners, condo owners, landlords, and renters must be careful when living in areas at risk of hurricanes, like here in Florida. Paying in full and out of pocket for any potential damages is not a risk one wants to take, so understanding the finer details of hurricane insurance is a must. Read on to find out seven things you need to know this hurricane season.

#1: Insurance could not be available shortly before a hurricane hit.

In order to mitigate risk, many insurance companies avoid writing new policies within 48 hours or so of a hurricane hit. This applies not only to home insurance policies, but to auto and flood insurance as well. This is why it is crucial to be prepared with home, auto, and flood insurance ahead of hurricane season and to maintain coverage throughout it. Waiting to get coverage at the last minute will only end in damages and expenses.

#2: Living in a hurricane-prone area may qualify you for home insurance discounts.

One example is a wind mitigation discount, where an inspection is made on your roofs, windows, doors, and water resistance to determine if they are up to standards for hurricane protection.

#3. Hurricane damage is covered by home insurance.

Homeowners insurance gives policyholders the most extensive hurricane coverage, it is also the most expensive. A majority of the property is covered in the event of a hurricane’s impact, including all of its structure, affected personal belongings, and additional expenses in case a temporary move is needed during reparations. Renters also get protection for their personal property in case of a hurricane impact, and one can get it as low as $15 per month.

Condo owners have it the most difficult when it comes to hurricane damage, while anything within the condo’s walls are covered from hurricane damage, damages to the building itself may prove more challenging to cover. Lastly, landlords coverage for both their belongings and the property, and they even get reimbursement in case tenants are forced to move out for reparations.

#4: You’re going to have to pay a hurricane deductible.

Along with filing a hurricane claim, homeowners need to pay a hurricane deductible in order for their home insurance policy to cover hurricane damage. These are normally a percentage between 1% and 10% of the dwelling coverage. Hurricane deductibles for homeowners were established in 19 states in 2005, with one of those states being Florida

#5: Flooding isn’t including in home insurance policies.

Homeowners, renters, condo owners, and landlords need to purchase flood insurance separately to ensure their property and belongings are protected in case of a flood. Flood insurance applies to damages that strictly came for flooding, so if a hurricane damages your roof and rain falls inside, your homeowners insurance should cover the losses.

#6: Your auto insurance policy may cover hurricane damages to your vehicle.

This only applies if you have the right policy in place: full coverage, which includes comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from natural damages while it’s standing still. So any objects falling onto your vehicle due to hurricane winds or any potential looting are covered by full coverage, along with potentially more.

#7: Even if you evacuate, your home is still covered.

Your home will always be covered from hurricane damage as long as you keep up with your insurance payments and live in the property for the duration specified in your policy. You won’t be punished for prioritizing your loved ones’ lives over personal belongings.