The 2008 hurricane season is just three weeks away, and forecasters are predicting a well above average season with 15 named storms, eight hurricanes, and four intense hurricanes. This week, the Orlando Sentinel reminded homeowners to check their insurance policies to make sure they have enough coverage for damages that might occur during a major storm. “The most important thing to look for in a policy is whether it will pay enough to rebuild or repair a home, replace belongings and cover living expenses.”

I commend the Orlando Sentinel for this article and particularly reporter Anika Myers Palm’s reference to flood insurance.

After the tough hurricane season Florida endured in 2004, the insurance industry successfully lobbied for legislation that provides more protection for itself than it does for homeowners. For instance, insurance companies now have less of a burden to provide coverage for damage resulting from a flood. As a result, the door is open for self-interested insurance companies to claim that damage was caused by flood as opposed to wind driven rain.

As such, I highly recommend that homeowners purchase flood insurance even if they don’t live in a flood zone.

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