Florida is in a hurricane zone.
From June 1 through November 30 the Northern Hemisphere experiences hurricane season. Just recently, one of the most powerful ever recorded, Hurricane Patricia, ripped through Mexico’s coast. In the United States, Hurricane Zones exist on the coasts. The Sunshine State of Florida has a large risk for hurricanes.
If you are planning to purchase a home in a high risk area for hurricanes, you want to ask a few important questions to make sure yourself and your home would be safe. Realtor.com compiled five questions to ask before you buy a home in a hurricane zone.
- Meet with an insurance agent and ask, how much will insurance cost?
You will definitely want to purchase hurricane insurance if you are buying a home in a hurricane zone. To be proactive, meet with an insurance agent to find out how much it will cost.
- Do I want to buy a home right on the beach, or is a few blocks away just as good?
As magical as a waterfront view can be, sometimes going a bit inland is just as nice. It could also save you risk and money. Your insurance will be defined by the Flood Insurance Hazard Map.
- What type of house should I buy?
“If a house is built to code and to withstand a strong storm or hurricane, it can help lower insurance costs,” says Jeanne Salvatore, chief communications officer for the Insurance Information Institute.
- What’s my deductible if damage does happen?
“Hurricanes are covered in a homeowners policy, no matter where you live,” saysLoretta Worters, vice president of communication for III.
- Do I need to get flood insurance along with hurricane insurance?
If you live in a coastal region and hurricane zone, regular homeowners’ insurance will not cover all of your risk. You will also need a flood policy to protect from damage from heavy rain.
Florida and Miami have so much to offer in terms of beautiful beaches and homes. However, it is in a hurricane zone, so these questions should help you when buying a home here.