Every year, Florida businesses are at risk of water damage from storms. While business insurance is designed to cover some water damage, it will depend on the source of water and how the damage occurred. That's why it's important to work with a Florida independent insurance agent.

An agent is an expert in Florida business insurance and can help you get coverage that includes water damage from storms. They can also assist you in purchasing necessary additional coverages to keep your business protected. 

What Is Storm Insurance?

Storm insurance is a type of Florida business insurance coverage that is included in a commercial property insurance policy.

Commercial property insurance is designed to protect the structure of your business as well as your property inside should it be damaged from events like fire, wind, hail, theft, storms, burst pipes and other potential risks.

What Does Storm Insurance Cover in Florida?

The storm insurance within your commercial property coverage will pay to repair or replace the following things should they be damaged from storm-related weather.

• Structures and buildings
• Equipment
• Furniture
• Inventory
• Supplies
• Fixtures

Most policies will consider wind, hail, lightning, fire and wind-driven rain or snow storm-related incidents.

What Doesn't Storm Insurance Cover in Florida?

Since Florida is a coastal state, some insurance companies will add wind and hail exclusions to their storm coverage. This means that any damage that is caused by one of these events would not be covered under your commercial property insurance.

Fortunately, you can purchase wind and hail protection separately if your business is at risk. A Florida independent insurance agent can let you know if wind and hail are excluded from your policy and help you purchase coverage.

Storm insurance will also not cover all types of water damage. If the damage is considered a flood, then your business would need flood insurance for coverage.

What Other Coverages Should My Florida Business Get?

When it comes to protecting your business against any potential storm-related events, the most important insurance is flood insurance.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards that all property owners in Florida face. The Flood Map Service provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help you determine if your business is in a flood zone, but keep in mind that 25% of flood claims come from low to medium risk areas. 

Your Florida independent insurance agent can help you purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. "For businesses that need extra coverage, there is the option of private coverage as well," explained insurance expert Jeffrey Green.

Why Florida businesses need flood insurance

Does Florida Storm Insurance Cover Water Damage? 

Water damage can be a tricky claim when it comes to storm insurance. Storm insurance within your commercial property policy will cover some types of water damage. If a storm causes a leak in your roof and water comes through and damages your office equipment, it will be covered.

If the water damage is considered to be caused by a flood, then storm insurance would not cover the damage and you would need flood insurance. According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 in damage. 

The best thing you can do to be fully protected from storms is to have commercial property insurance and flood insurance for your Florida business.

How a Florida Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You

Florida businesses need to be protected from all potential weather hazards. This means purchasing several different insurance policies. A Florida independent insurance agent knows which coverages you need and where to find them.

An agent will talk with you, free of charge, to learn about your business and your insurance needs. They'll pull several business insurance quotes for you and guide you in the best coverage for your company.