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Gearing up
Get essential tips from AAA Insurance on how to get your home and vehicle ready before storm season arrives.
Severe storms like hurricanes can disrupt lives long after they pass, damaging homes, uprooting routines and straining finances. Once the skies clear, the next phase begins, focusing on repairing damage, filing claims and finding a path back to normal.
Knowing how to access help, handle insurance and stay financially steady can ease some stress. Whether you’ve recently been impacted or want to plan ahead, understanding the essentials of hurricane recovery can make you feel more prepared.
When is hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most intense activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October.
The best time to prepare for hurricane season is before it arrives:
It may also be a good time to consider creating or adding to your emergency fund. Even a small amount of money already set aside can help cover urgent expenses, like temporary housing, food or basic repairs while waiting on insurance claims or financial assistance.
After a major storm, it can be hard to know where to turn first, especially if your home is damaged. Federal assistance programs, along with insurance, play a crucial role in helping individuals start the recovery process.
When a hurricane causes enough damage for a federal disaster declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) steps in to help individuals and communities begin the recovery process.
FEMA provides financial assistance for things like temporary housing, essential home repairs, accessibility needs and basic personal property. Much of this assistance is focused on those whose needs aren’t fully met by insurance.
It’s important to note that FEMA isn’t a replacement for home or renters insurance. Its goal is to help make your home safe, sanitary and functional, not to restore it to pre-disaster conditions.
To receive FEMA assistance, you must live in an area that’s officially been declared a federal disaster zone. Even then, you’ll need to meet specific criteria and provide documentation to show you qualify.
There are four ways to apply to FEMA for assistance:
To complete your application, you’ll need to provide:
After you apply, FEMA may schedule a property inspection to verify your damage. You can appeal the decision if you’re denied or the amount seems too low.
Remember, FEMA aid is designed to help fill gaps and get your home livable again, not replace full insurance coverage.
In addition to FEMA, other programs and organizations can provide financial relief after a hurricane, including:
Local and non-profit organizations may also provide grants, temporary shelter, basic supplies and case management staff to help people recover. Consider getting in touch with local organizations and authorities to have a list of contact information on hand for when you need it.
After a storm, one of the first steps in long-term recovery is contacting your insurance agent to submit a claim. However, the claims process can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with damage for the first time. Understanding what your homeowners and renters insurance will and won’t cover helps.
Knowing the basics can help you plan, avoid surprises and act quickly if your home or belongings are impacted.
Does insurance cover hurricane damage? In many cases, yes. Standard home insurance typically covers wind-related damage caused by hurricanes, such as roof damage, broken windows or downed siding. But it’s important to read the fine print. Some policies in high-risk areas may exclude “named storm” or windstorm damage unless you buy additional coverage.
Also, flood damage is not typically covered by standard home policies. If you want protection against storm surges or ground flooding, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurance companies provide coverage.
More home policies have begun offering a hurricane deductible to help insurers manage risk in high-exposure areas. This is often a percentage of your home’s insured value (typically 1% - 5% but sometimes higher in coastal areas) instead of a flat dollar amount.
Does renters insurance cover hurricanes? Generally, yes, but also with limits. Renters insurance usually covers damage to your belongings caused by hurricane-related wind, fire or lightning. Remember that your landlord’s insurance typically covers the property, not your personal items.
Your policy may also include loss-of-use coverage. This coverage helps pay for temporary housing if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, like wind or fire damage from a hurricane, as listed in your policy.
Like home insurance, flood damage isn’t included in most renters insurance policies. Renters who want protection for their belongings during flooding can purchase a separate flood policy through an insurer or the NFIP.
The post-storm recovery phase is a stressful time. However, staying organized and financially focused can help you navigate the claims and financial assistance process more effectively and get the help you need.
Consider these steps during the recovery process:
Being proactive and preparing before a storm hits can make a difference in how quickly and confidently you recover over the long term.
Recovering from a hurricane is never easy, but having a plan, knowing your options and staying financially prepared can make the process more manageable. From documenting damage to reassessing your coverage, small actions taken early can help you get back on your feet sooner.
Hurricane preparedness ensures you and your loved ones stay safe, minimizing damage to your home and belongings while giving you peace of mind during severe weather events.
Check your homeowners insurance policy for coverage specifics related to hurricanes, tropical storms, wind damage and flooding. You can also contact your insurance provider for a detailed review of your policy.
Your emergency kit should have essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medications and important documents stored in a waterproof container.
Simple steps like installing storm shutters, trimming trees and securing outdoor furniture can reduce the risk of damage during high winds and heavy rain.
You can access helpful articles, expert advice and checklists on disaster readiness through our Hurricane Guide or trusted organizations like FEMA and AAA.
Gearing up
Get essential tips from AAA Insurance on how to get your home and vehicle ready before storm season arrives.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
Coverage is subject to all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. Discounts and savings opportunities subject to eligibility requirements. Subject to underwriting requirements. Prices may vary based on how you buy insurance, subject to availability in your state. AAA Insurance is a collection of AAA branded insurance products, services, and programs made available to qualified members. Personal lines insurance is underwritten by Auto Club Insurance Association (IL Auto, IL Home, MI Home, MN Home), Auto Club Group Insurance Company (IA Auto, IA Home, IN Auto, IN Home, NE Auto, NE Home, WI Auto, WI Home), Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida (FL Package), Auto Club South Insurance Company (FL Auto), MemberSelect Insurance Company (GA Auto, GA Home, MI Auto, MN Auto, TN Auto, TN Home), The Members Insurance Company (NC Auto, NC Home), and Universal Insurance Company (NC Auto, NC Home, SC Auto, SC Home). ©2025 The Auto Club Group. All rights reserved.
