As hurricane season continues in Florida, insurance providers and policyholders are bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Idalia. In preparation for the storm, several Florida counties have declared states of emergency. At the same time, some insurance providers are cutting back insurance solutions offered in certain counties in the state. Many believe the change in providers is due to Florida’s susceptibility to hurricane damage. Last year, Hurricane Ian caused $114 billion in damages. It’s categorized as the most expensive storm to hit Florida.
Many Floridians are now learning about terms such as binding restrictions. It happens when an insurance provider temporarily stops issuing new policies. It can also include when companies stop increasing limits in existing policies. Insurance companies won’t likely lift any binding restrictions until the threat of severe weather has subsided.
Understanding Binding Restrictions
Binding restrictions are put in place because insurance companies base their rates on a full year of coverage. They also predict what sort of claims could come up during that year. The issue arises when people buy a policy once they know a storm is on its way. This creates a risk that the policyholder could file a claim before paying a full year of payments for the policy.
Your Key To Secure Insurance Coverage
Working with binding restrictions is essential for policyholders to understand. Properly managing binding restrictions can help ensure you still receive the same coverage and help with risk mitigation. You’ll want to have coverage in place before an unexpected event. Binding restrictions ensure you have coverage well in advance. Also, binding insurance prevents the quick purchase of insurance. This allows the policyholder to properly assess risks and select the best coverage plan.
Homeowners
- Make sure you work on getting insurance coverage early. This helps to protect your assets.
- Time your insurance transitions to circumvent any potential binding restrictions.
- Keep in touch with your insurance agent. When a restriction is lifted they should notify you so you can secure coverage.
Personal Vehicle Owners
- Obtain insurance coverage before purchasing a new vehicle.
- Plan your policy transition before the hurricane season to ensure continued coverage.
- Ask your insurance agent to notify you when binding restrictions are lifted so you can obtain adequate coverage.
Commercial Auto
- Make it a priority to secure insurance for commercial vehicles before potential binding restrictions go into effect.
- Avoid plans to transition insurance during hurricane seasons.
- Close contact with your insurance provider can guarantee you are aware of when the binding restrictions period is over and you can minimize operational interruptions.
General Property
- If you own a residential or commercial property, you should obtain insurance coverage early. This protects your assets.
- Adjust renewal dates to align with safer periods, that are outside binding restriction windows.
- Your insurance agent can be a help by letting you know when binding restrictions are lifted. This allows you to quickly secure coverage.
What You Need To Know About Hurricane Preparedness
Part of hurricane preparedness is understanding binding restrictions. However, there are other measures that should be taken into account when it comes to protecting yourself and yourself and your property.
- Create a safety plan that includes information about evacuation procedures. Come up with a place for your family to meet and ways that you all will be able to communicate with each other.
- Stock up on supplies such as food and clean water. Also, consider purchasing items like flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits. These items could become valuable resources in the event of severe damage caused by a storm.
- Secure outdoor items and provide protection for the windows of your home. You can also trim your trees to lower the chances of branches flying away and damaging your home.
- Stay informed during hurricane season. It’s a great idea to purchase a NOAA weather radio. It will help you receive vital information about the storm that a typical radio may not be able to broadcast.
- Keep your vehicle fueled up and ready to go in case of an emergency. You’ll need reliable transportation in case an evacuation order is issued.
- If you have a generator, make sure you know how to safely operate one. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a threat when using a generator in an area that is not well-ventilated.
RRL Insurance: Protection When You Need It Most
RRL Insurance is here to help you understand the ever-changing insurance landscape. We take a proactive approach to risk management and can assist you with securing coverage before binding restrictions are put in place. It’s our goal to provide you with adequate, comprehensive insurance coverage. Our insurance solutions include public auto, construction insurance, truckers insurance, towing insurance, waste hauler insurance, and more.
Our team is excited to hear from you! Please contact us to learn more about how we can help you. Your safety and security are our top priorities. We look forward to working with you!