Before Storm Season: Five Home Policy Details Worth Rereading

Wind and hail deductibles are often percentages

Many policies apply a separate wind or hurricane deductible calculated as a percentage of the dwelling coverage, not a flat amount. On a home insured for several hundred thousand dollars, that difference is significant. The declarations page shows which deductible applies and when.

Roof rules changed on many renewals

Insurers increasingly pay older roofs on an actual-cash-value schedule instead of full replacement cost. If the roof is past a certain age, the payment drops with depreciation. Ask which basis applies, and whether documentation of a newer roof could change it.

Flood is a separate policy, full stop

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Coverage comes through the National Flood Insurance Program or private flood insurers, and new policies typically have a waiting period before they take effect — which is why this check belongs before storm season, not during a watch.

Ten minutes of photos beats hours of memory

Walk each room and the exterior with a phone camera. Date-stamped photos of the roof, major appliances, and belongings make a contents claim faster and less contentious. Store the photos somewhere other than only the house itself.

• Photograph each room, the exterior, and the roof line.
• Save the insurer claim number and policy number in your phone.
• Keep receipts for major purchases and repairs.