What Does Hurricane Insurance Cover in Gulfport, MS?

When disaster strikes, one of the most important financial protections is hurricane insurance. But understanding what it actually covers and what it doesn’t isn’t always clear-cut. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or commercial property owner, having the right hurricane insurance coverage in Gulfport, MS, can make a difference after a storm. 

At The Morgan Law Group, our team of experienced insurance claim attorneys has helped countless residents recover after hurricane damage, especially when insurers try to delay, deny, or underpay claims. If you’re facing any kind of coverage dispute, a hurricane damage lawyer in Gulfport can guide you through the claims process and advocate for your full recovery.

What Is Covered by Gulfport Hurricane Insurance?

Hurricane insurance in Gulfport, MS, typically protects against two major types of damage: wind and water. However, these are rarely covered by a single policy. You’ll usually need a combination of insurance policies to be fully protected.

Wind Damage 

Wind is one of the most destructive forces in a hurricane. It can tear off roofs, shatter windows, topple trees, and send debris flying into your home or business. 

Most standard homeowners and commercial property insurance policies in Gulfport include windstorm coverage, though it may be subject to a hurricane deductible – a separate, often higher deductible that applies specifically to wind damage from named storms.

This coverage usually pays for:

• Roof and siding damage
• Broken windows
• Interior water damage caused by wind-driven rain (if the wind compromised the structure)
• Detached structures like garages or sheds
• Loss of use or additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable

However, not all windstorm coverage is equal. Some insurers exclude wind damage in coastal areas unless you add a special endorsement or purchase it through the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (“Wind Pool”). Always double-check your policy.

What Does a Typical Hurricane Insurance Policy Not Cover?

Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what is. Common exclusions and limitations in hurricane insurance in Gulfport, MS include:

• Flooding: Even if water damage is clearly hurricane-related, insurers will deny flood-related claims if you lack flood insurance.
• Pre-existing Damage: Damage from prior storms or neglect is usually excluded.
• Mold and Mildew: Covered only if it results from a covered event and you took reasonable steps to prevent it.
• Power Outages: Unless they cause damage to covered appliances (like spoiled food), general outages are not covered.
• Earth Movement or Sinkholes: Often excluded unless specifically added.

Additionally, hurricane deductibles can catch homeowners off guard. Instead of a fixed dollar amount, they’re usually a percentage of the insured value, often 1% to 5%. On a $300,000 home, that’s a $3,000 to $15,000 out-of-pocket expense before coverage kicks in.

Having a Separate Insurance Coverage for Flood Damage

Flooding is one of the most common and expensive results of hurricanes in Louisiana, especially in a coastal city like Gulfport. Unfortunately, flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners, renters, or business insurance policies.

To be protected, you need a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier. 

Flood insurance can cover:

• Rising water from storm surge
• Water intrusion from overflowing rivers or heavy rain
• Structural damage to walls, floors, and foundations
• Damaged appliances and personal belongings
• Mold remediation caused by flooding

Given Gulfport’s low elevation and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, having flood insurance is strongly recommended even for properties outside designated flood zones.

Do Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners Need Different Coverage?

Yes. The type of hurricane insurance coverage you need in Gulfport depends on the type of property you own or lease:

Homeowners

Homeowners need both windstorm insurance and flood insurance to be fully protected. 

Your policy should also include coverage for:

• Dwelling (the physical structure)
• Other structures (sheds, fences, garages)
• Personal property (furniture, appliances, electronics)
• Additional living expenses (ALE) if you’re displaced

Renters

Renters don’t need structural coverage, but they do need protection for their personal belongings and temporary housing. Renter’s insurance typically covers wind damage but not flooding, so it’s wise to get NFIP contents-only flood insurance.

Business Owners

Commercial property insurance is more complex. 

If you own your building, you’ll need wind and flood protection for the structure, as well as:

• Business personal property (equipment, inventory)
• Business interruption insurance to cover lost income
• Extra expense coverage for temporary relocation
• If you rent, make sure your lease and policy clearly define who covers what.

The same thing applies to condo owners, condo associations, and HOAs when it comes to insurance coverage. A Gulfport hurricane damage attorney can help assess whether your coverage is adequate and assist if your insurer doesn’t honor your policy’s terms.

What to Do if Your Hurricane Insurance Claim Is Denied or Underpaid

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for Gulfport residents to face claim denials, delays, or lowball settlements after a hurricane. Insurance companies may dispute the cause of the damage (blaming flooding instead of wind), misinterpret policy language, or undervalue your losses.

Common insurer tactics include:

• Claiming damage was due to uncovered flood, not wind
• Arguing the damage was pre-existing
• Delaying responses to wear down claimants
• Offering low initial settlement, hoping you’ll accept

If your claim is denied or seems too low, don’t accept it at face value. Keep a record of all communication, gather photos and repair estimates, and consult a hurricane damage lawyer in Gulfport as soon as possible.

A knowledgeable hurricane insurance attorney can:

• Review your policy and explain your rights
• Identify wrongful denials or underpayments
• Prepare a strong appeal or supplemental claim
• Represent you in negotiations or litigation
• Help recover additional damages if your insurer acted in bad faith

In some cases, you may be entitled to penalties, attorney’s fees, and even punitive damages if the insurer’s conduct violates Mississippi insurance law.

How Can You Protect Your Property Before Hurricane Season?

Preparation is key when you live in a hurricane-prone area like Gulfport. 

To reduce risk and strengthen your insurance claim if disaster strikes, take these proactive steps:

1. Review and Update Your Insurance

• Make sure your wind and flood policies are active and adequate
• Understand your deductibles
• Ensure contents and replacement costs are accurate

2. Take Inventory

• Document all valuables with photos or video
• Save receipts and serial numbers if possible
• Use digital cloud storage for backup

3. Secure Your Home or Business

• Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
• Reinforce garage doors
• Trim trees and clear debris
• Elevate equipment and important items off the floor

4. Know Your Claims Process

• Understand how to file a claim and what documentation is required
• Keep your insurance contact info in a safe, accessible place
• Take “before and after” photos of your property

Preparation not only minimizes loss but also helps strengthen your case if you need to dispute an insurance claim later.

Get Legal Help from a Gulfport Hurricane Damage Attorney

Recovering after a hurricane is stressful enough without having to fight your insurance company. 

If your hurricane insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, an experienced Gulfport hurricane damage attorney can ensure your insurer lives up to its responsibilities. Whether it’s identifying gaps in your policy, disputing low settlements, or holding insurers accountable for bad faith, legal support can make all the difference in getting the full compensation you deserve.

At The Morgan Law Group, we’ve spent decades helping policyholders navigate the complex world of hurricane insurance claims. From storm season preparation to legal representation after damage, we’re here to protect your rights.

Call our Gulfport office today at (228) 432-6855 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation.