The 2024 hurricane season clearly tore through the country and has become one of the most disastrous and damaging on record, perhaps ranking with 1992. But here comes the new season of 2025, and those early projections indicate this one could end up being just as volatile as last year.

According to Colorado State University analysts, the season will be a tough one with 17 named storms (sustained winds of at least 39 mph), 9 of which are expected to develop into hurricanes, and 4 of them will be massive hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

Further confirmation from AccuWeather states that they see no reason to provide a different forecast, they even offer a similar forecast, and so reach the conclusion that the number of storms will be between 13-18, the hurricanes will be from 7-10, and the major hurricanes will be from 3-5, with 3-6 of them being directly affecting the U.S.

Indeed, a lot is at stake. In 2024, there were 27 billion dollar disasters due to weather and climate in the U.S., with 568 fatalities and damages of $182.7 billion, as reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

The record precipitation probably will not occur in 2025, but growing populations along the coast, stronger storms due to increased climate-driven intensity, and expanded flood zones mean that even one landfalling hurricane has the potential to prove financially disastrous for homeowners and businesses unprepared for the storm hit.

Understanding Hurricane Insurance: What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

Hurricane insurance isn’t a standalone policy but a component of standard homeowners insurance. Here’s what you need to know:

The Basics

Coverage Triggers

The winds associated with the storm should be measured as an official hurricane by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for any particular damage to qualify under that jurisdiction. This means that even if a very strong tropical storm causes considerable wind or rain damage, the NHC will not activate hurricane coverage. As an example, a storm may strengthen to hurricane status after causing damage to your property: this is the result of the NHC pushing the damage of the hurricane farther back and excluding the initial losses.

What’s Typically Covered

• Structural Damage: Policies generally cover repairs to your home’s primary structure, including the roof, walls, windows, and foundation, if damaged by hurricane-force winds, rain, or flying debris. For instance, if a hurricane tears off shingles or collapses a wall, your policy should fund repairs.
• Detached Structures: Coverage often extends to garages, sheds, fences, or other out-buildings, but only if explicitly included in your policy. Review your documents to confirm these are listed—otherwise, repairs may not be reimbursed.

Gaps to Watch

Flood Damage

Even damages sustained from storm surges, overflowing rivers, heavy rainfalls, or floods by themselves are not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Floor, drywall, and electrical systems get damaged throughout a few inches of water and all these repairs are going to be on your shoulders. You must take flood insurance at an additional cost from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or any other private insurer, especially when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created new maps for the floodplain which shows an expanding high-risk area.

Personal Property

Generally, structural repairs are paid for, whereas belongings such as furniture items, electronics, or clothes can only get damaged had they been included in the additional personal property coverage in your policy. Almost all insurance companies have their limit set at 50-70% of their dwelling coverage. Jewelry and art belong to high-value items thus they normally require an extra endorsement (like valuable property insurance).

Mold/Water Damage

If rainwater enters through a hurricane-damaged roof or window, your policy may cover mold remediation. However, damage from rising floodwaters (e.g., a storm surge seeping under doors) is excluded. Insurers also frequently limit mold coverage amounts, so review your policy’s fine print.

Beyond Homeowners Insurance: Other Policies to Consider

Flood Insurance

Heavy rains and storms surge as a result of storms, and they increasingly debilitate the drainage systems. Imagine this situation—the regular homeowners’ policies do not cover such kinds of losses, and also private insurers are increasingly scaling back flood coverage in high-risk coastal areas. FEMA’s updated floodplain maps now classify more regions—including some inland neighborhoods—as flood-prone, making this coverage essential even for properties outside traditional risk zones.

Commercial Property Insurance

Hurricanes have introduced a unique threat to businesses. Commercial property insurance of physical assets, including buildings, inventories, machinery, and equipment, protects them against storm damage. Hypothetically, if a hurricane hinders the roof of your warehouse from materializing or ruining stored products, it is the policy that encompasses repairs and replacements. Unlike homeowners insurance, it might provide business interruption coverage to help offset lost income during closures.

General Liability Insurance

Even though it is not tailored to hurricanes, companies still face the necessity of general liability insurance to protect themselves from storm-related hazards. Imagine that one of your customers slipped on a wet floor in your store after a hurricane or a tree branch fell and crashed someone’s car while parking; general liability would come in to cover the legal defense, medical payments, or repairs.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If your residence is uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, then coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE), typically included in homeowners’ policies, reimburses expenses incurred for temporary housing, meals, laundry services, and boarding of pets. For instance, if rebuilding your home takes six months and you are displaced, ALE would cover your hotel stay and restaurant meals after all of these costs, not exceeding your policy limits (with limits typically set at 10-20% of dwelling coverage).

Is Your Policy Hurricane-Ready? 5 Steps to Take Now

1. Review and Update Coverage

• Ensure your dwelling coverage reflects current rebuild costs (construction prices have surged post-pandemic).
• Confirm your hurricane deductible, which is often 2–5% of your home’s insured value (e.g., a 300,000 home could have a 6,000–$15,000 deductible).

2. Add Endorsements

• Sewer Backup: Covers damage from overloaded drainage systems.
• Wind-Driven Rain: Protects against water intrusion through compromised roofs or windows.
• Increased Personal Property Limits: Ensure high-value items like jewelry or art are fully covered.

3. Document Everything

• Photograph or video every room, including closets and storage areas. Store records digitally (cloud or external drive) for easy access post-storm.

4. Prepare an Emergency Plan

Know evacuation routes, secure insurance documents, and save your agent’s contact information on your phone.

5. Consult a Professional

Discuss worst-case scenarios with your insurance agent. For businesses, review continuity plans to minimize downtime.

Conclusion: Act Now—Before the First Storm Forms

The 2025 hurricane season may not surpass 2024’s devastation, but its risks are no less real. From structural repairs to flood losses, gaps in coverage could leave you footing bills worth tens of thousands of dollars. Worse, policies like flood insurance often have 30-day waiting periods, meaning procrastination could leave you unprotected during early-season storms.

At Gonzalez Insurance, we specialize in hurricane preparedness. Our team will help you:

• Audit existing policies for hidden gaps.
• Secure affordable flood insurance amid rising premiums.
• Tailor commercial coverage to protect your business’s future.

Don’t wait for the first hurricane warning. Contact Gonzalez Insurance today for a free policy review—and turn uncertainty into confidence before the skies darken.