As hurricane season approaches, it’s essential to ensure you’re well-prepared from an insurance standpoint. The 2025 hurricane season in the Cayman Islands runs from June 1 to November 30. Here are some key steps to help you protect your home and finances:
1. Review Your Insurance Policies
Before hurricane season starts, review your homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance policies. Ensure you have adequate coverage for all potential damages. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but you will want to review your policy schedule to ensure items such as contents, generators, solar panels, loss of rent and/or alternative accommodation are indeed covered.
2. Understand Your Deductibles
Many insurance policies in hurricane-prone areas have specific deductibles for hurricanes and windstorms. These deductibles are often a percentage of your home’s insured value, rather than a fixed dollar amount. Make sure you understand how these deductibles work and consider setting aside funds to cover them.
3. Document Your Property
Take detailed photos and videos of your property and belongings, including an itemized listing, before hurricane season. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to file a claim after a storm. Keep these records in a safe place, such as cloud storage or a waterproof container.
4. Inspect and Secure Your Home
Perform a thorough inspection of your home to identify any vulnerabilities. Check your roof for missing shingles, clean gutters, and secure windows and doors. Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows.
5. Prepare an Emergency Plan
Have an emergency plan in place for your family. This includes knowing evacuation routes, having a supply kit ready, and keeping important documents, such as insurance policies, easily accessible.
6. Know How to File a Claim
In the event of a hurricane, knowing how to file a claim efficiently can make a significant difference. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm, provide detailed documentation of the damage, and be prepared to file multiple claims if necessary (e.g., homeowners, contents, auto insurance).