Hurricanes and insurance: 5 things you need to know

July 20--Here's hoping Florida's hurricane-free streak continues for a full 11th season.

But don't get caught off guard as the heart of storm season approaches -- act on these tips to protect yourself in the nation's most expensive state for home insurance.

1. Use The Palm Beach Post's exclusive and free insurance guide. Get contact information to shop around at more than 100 insurance companies, plus financial ratings for each from three different agencies and complaint information analyzed by the newspaper. Not every insurer writes new policies in South Florida during storm season, but know your options and be ready to act.

It'all here:

http://host.coxmediagroup.com/wpb/editorial/insuranceexplorer/

2. Take photos or videos of your stuff now, not after a storm. Store it not just on a computer but somewhere you can get a copy if the power goes out. Tips for making an inventory: https://knowyourstuff.org/

3. Know how to contact your company's claims office as well as your agent. Write down this information and put it in your purse or wallet in case you have to evacuate.

4. Yes, make sure you enough coverage, but don't overpay. Talk with your agent to make sure you have proper coverage to replace the house if it needs to be rebuilt. But don't overpay for "contents" coverage, stuff inside the house. Some insurers set contents coverage at 5o percent of the home's value. If you don't have a ton of Picasso paintings or heirloom furniture, ask about 25 percent. It can save you.

5. Watch for rate increases and be prepared to shop around. When your policy renews, don't get too busy to notice attempts to raise your rates despite more than a decade without storms. Some insurers have asked for rate increases up to 25 percent in Palm Beach County, though Heritage Property and Casualty Insurance Co. agreed to withdraw its 2017 request after scrutiny by The Palm Beach Post and homeowner advocates.

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