Hurricane Season: Review Your Insurance Policies

The Hawaii Insurance Division encourages residents to prepare their 14-day emergency kits and review their insurance plans as hurricane season approaches in Hawaii.

“We encourage consumers to review their insurance policies, including homeowners, hurricane, flood, auto, and any others, at least once a year,” said Commissioner Colin Hayashida.

“A lot can happen in a year that can affect your insurance costs and coverage options. Some of these things include renovations, extensions, and the increased cost of rebuilding.”

As a short guide, here are the things you must check in your insurance policies:

– Check the amount of your deductible and make sure you are comfortable with it. A deductible is the policyholder’s responsibility and any claims reimbursement that you are entitled to will be reduced by the deductible amount.

– Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover hurricane and flood damage.

– Hurricane insurance can be purchased separately or endorsed onto the current policy.

– Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere on the islands, consider adding flood insurance coverage.

– Consumers who purchase a National Flood Insurance Program policy need to plan ahead as there is typically a 30-day waiting period for the policy to go into effect.

For more insurance resources, visit cca.hawaii.gov/ins/resources.