Is Your Flood Insurance Ready for Hurricane Season in Biloxi?

Flood insurance in Biloxi helps homeowners and businesses avoid major financial losses during hurricane season because it covers costly flood damage from storm surge, heavy rainfall, and rising water that standard property insurance policies typically exclude.

While residents in the Midwest prepare for Tornado Season, those living along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, especially in Biloxi, must be prepared for Hurricane Season. This is the time of year when severe weather brings heavy rainfall and strong winds to the area. Many Biloxi property owners take steps to protect their homes and businesses by installing storm shutters, maintaining generators, and creating evacuation plans. However, one crucial area that’s often overlooked is making sure your flood insurance coverage is up to date and will provide adequate protection.

Flood damage is one of the most common and costly risks during a hurricane. According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage to a home. In 2023, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) paid over $1.4 billion in claims nationwide, with Mississippi ranking among the top states for flood insurance payouts. By taking the time to review your flood insurance in Biloxi before the season begins, you can prevent a major financial surprise later. Flood insurance is a separate policy that helps cover damage caused by rising water, storm surge, and other flooding events that aren’t included in most standard property insurance policies.

Understand Flood Risk During Hurricane Season in Biloxi

It’s easy to overlook the risk of flood damage when the weather is great and hurricanes aren’t on your mind. The problem is, if you put off getting the protection you need, you risk becoming financially overwhelmed when repair bills come in. It can make rebuilding your home or business seem insurmountable. Understanding the risks of storm damage can help you make better decisions to protect your Biloxi property with the right flood insurance:

1. Why hurricane season increases your flood risk: Coastal communities like Biloxi face several types of flood threats, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, and overflowing rivers and drainage systems. Flooding can occur even if your property is not clearly vulnerable and has never experienced a flood before. Hurricanes can quickly push water inland, damaging your home or business even if it’s far from the shoreline. This is why flood insurance plays an important role in protecting your Gulf Coast property.


2. What standard insurance policies don’t cover: Many property owners mistakenly assume that their standard insurance covers flooding. The reality is that most homeowners’ and commercial property policies exclude flood damage. Flood insurance helps cover what your standard policy doesn’t, including structural damage to buildings and certain contents inside your property. With proper coverage, you don’t have to pay for repairs out of pocket.


3. Important flood insurance details to review before Biloxi’s hurricane season: When you talk with your local broker at Hawsey Insurance about flood coverage, discuss items such as:
   
   
   • Coverage limits – Make sure your policy reflects the current rebuilding costs to ensure you can fully rebuild if all is lost.
   • Contents coverage – You will want to know you can get your belongings, equipment, or inventory replaced if necessary.
   • Property updates – Renovations, additions, or new equipment may change your coverage needs.
   • Flood zone changes – FEMA flood maps can change, affecting risk levels and insurance requirements.
   
   
4. Remember flood insurance waiting periods: There are typically waiting periods before coverage becomes active so you don’t want to delay obtaining coverage. For example, many policies may require a 30-day waiting period before protection begins. Waiting until a storm is already approaching may leave you unprotected. The better plan is to review your coverage before or early in the hurricane season.


5. Work with a local insurance team that understands Biloxi flood risks: Coastal Mississippi properties face unique environmental risks. A knowledgeable insurance broker can review your existing policies, identify coverage gaps, and recommend adjustments based on local risk factors. They can also help with annual insurance reviews to ensure your coverage keeps pace with property values and storm exposure.

Prepare for Hurricane Season with Biloxi Flood Insurance

Take your hurricane prep one step beyond boarding up windows and stocking supplies. Make sure your flood insurance in Biloxi is current and protects your property adequately. The Hawsey Insurance team can help you determine the best flood insurance coverage for your specific needs.  We’ve served Mississippi homeowners and businesses for decades so we understand the local risks and can help you secure the coverage you need at competitive rates. Look to us for support in all your coverage needs, including personal auto, homeowners, farm, and business insurance.

Call Hawsey Insurance at 601-856-7707 to discuss Biloxi flood insurance and other policies with a qualified insurance agent. Feel free to contact us online or make an appointment to stop by our offices in Madison, Jackson, or Southaven, MS.