Can You Purchase Tornado Insurance In Florida?

Homeowners insurance policies are complex, and they can be very confusing, particularly if you have never had to purchase it before. You want to be covered for as much damage as possible, but not all types of damage are included in insurance policies. Florida is no stranger to tornadoes, with the state experiencing approximately 68 storms every year. Tornadoes, of course, cause an immense amount of damage. So, can you purchase tornado insurance in the Sunshine State?

To understand the answer to that question, it is important to know some key insurance terms. Below, our Daytona Beach tornado damage lawyer explains what these are.

Important Terms in Homeowners Insurance Policies 

Some of the most important terms in homeowners insurance policies include:

• Covered perils: A peril, in insurance terms, is any event that can damage your personal belongings or the structure of your home. Common covered perils include lightning, fire, hail, windstorms, smoke, and explosions.
• Policy limits: When you purchase insurance, you only purchase a certain amount, which is your policy limit. The insurance company is obligated to provide you up to this amount, but they are not required to provide you with more.
• Standard coverage: Insurance companies have fairly standard policies that they offer to all homeowners. This is a basic policy that includes common types of damage, such as water damage from a burst pipe.
• Additional coverage: There are some types of damage that are almost never included in standard policies. Flood damage is one of these. If you live in a flood zone or your home is susceptible to other types of damage not covered, it is important to purchase specific additional coverage at an extra cost.

Is Tornado Damage Covered in Florida? 

A tornado can tear the roof off of your house, collapse walls, and completely destroy your personal belongings. Having to bear the cost of repairing or replacing those items can seem impossible, especially at a time when your entire life has been turned upside down. Standard insurance policies typically include coverage for wind damage, and tornadoes fall under that category. As such, you can receive coverage for tornado damage and you do not have to pay for additional coverage.

If your home or personal belongings have been damaged by a tornado and your insurer is claiming that you are not covered, it is time to speak to a property damage lawyer. A lawyer can advise on the type and amount of coverage you are entitled to and will hold the insurance company responsible for paying it.

Our Tornado Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help You Obtain Full Coverage 

Tornadoes are not uncommon in Florida and if your home has been damaged, you deserve full coverage. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach tornado damage lawyer will speak to the insurance company on your behalf so they do not try their standard tactics to deny, delay, or reduce your coverage. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html