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Peak hurricane season: Is your home insurance ready?

Nature can catch us off guard. Earthquakes, floods, and wildfires can happen at any time of the year. And even though the hurricane season runs strong from June 1 to November 30, the best thing we can do is be prepared. The key? Make sure your insurance is up to date before all the rush begins.

Below, we’ll explain what you need to know to protect your home and your finances before, during, and after a storm.

What could your insurance cover?

Standard home insurance policies offer basic protection but may not cover all risks. With more comprehensive insurance, such as the policies offered through Popular Insurance, you can count on coverage for:

  • Damage from hurricane-force winds
  • Damage from fire, a common occurrence after a storm, whether from electrical surges, the use of generators, or candles.
  • Earthquakes, which can occur with or without a hurricane.

However, there are certain critical risks that standard insurance does not cover and that could seriously affect your property. That is why Popular Insurance offers you additional options such as:

  • Flood insurance: Issued as an individual policy that you must apply for in advance, as it takes 30 days to activate. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to apply for it!
  • Personal Package: Combines several types of coverage under a single policy, including auto, property, personal liability, and excess coverage, known as umbrella coverage.

In addition, it is important to know what type of coverage you need based on your housing situation:

  • If you’re a homeowner: There are insurance policies that protect the structure of your home, belongings, and civil liability if someone is injured on your property.
  • If you live in an apartment: Some options protect personal belongings and any improvements you have made to your unit.
  • If you are a tenant: You can find policies that cover belongings and temporary relocation expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured hazard.

There’s also the Windbreaker, a parametric microinsurance, which covers expenses after a hurricane and provides cash for whatever you need. No proof of damage required!

Popular X Platea Tip: Why complicate things? Get a quote for insurance that fits your needs. Popular Insurance representatives can guide you through coverage options for a Personal Package without any headaches.

Your checklist for when a storm or hurricane is announced

Follow these steps so that, if something happens, you can file a claim without complications:

  • Review your policy (do it now, not when it’s raining). Understand what it covers, what it doesn’t, and the deductible amount. Do you have any questions? Call your agent.
  • Document everything, as if you were an influencer. Take inventory of your belongings with photos and videos. Also, try to have current photos of your home (if you’ve made any recent updates, such as painting, roof repairs, or additions).
  • Keep receipts for valuable items. That 65” TV needs proof of how much it costs.
  • Preserve all your essential documents. Keep paper and digital copies. Place a copy of the insurance policy (as well as batteries) in your hurricane kit.

Popular X Platea Tip: Don’t leave your car insurance behind! If you have mandatory insurance, it won’t cover hurricane damage. If a tree falls on your car, only a full coverage policy will protect you. Available at any time; there is no waiting period.

For after the natural event

Now it’s time to file your claim. Follow these steps to complete them in time:

  • Take photos. Yes, again! Make sure to have proof.
  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you have flood insurance, leave the water level mark visible. Also, preserve damaged property, provided it does not pose a risk to your health or safety. For safety reasons, make temporary repairs if necessary. And keep all receipts.
  • Fill out the forms and send the necessary documentation.

Your home deserves the best protection

Preparing for hurricane season doesn’t have to be complicated. With these steps and the right insurance, rest easily knowing that, no matter what happens, you’re protected.

The ideal time to get insured is now. Your future self will thank you.

Explore your options at: www.popular.com/en/insurance/. 

Insurance products and services are offered through Popular Insurance, LLC, a subsidiary of Popular, Inc., and affiliate of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. Insurance products are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of, and are not guaranteed by Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, its subsidiaries, and/or affiliates.

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