Yes. Kanguro Renters Insurance covers damage to your belongings caused by hurricane wind and hail in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. It can also cover rain that enters through an opening created by covered wind or hail damage.
Flooding and storm surge are not covered by Renters Insurance, even when a hurricane causes the flooding. Separate flood insurance is needed for those losses.
Understanding the difference between wind damage and flood damage is one of the most important things renters can know before hurricane season.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage to My Belongings?
Yes, when the damage is caused by a covered peril such as hurricane wind or hail.
Your landlord's insurance generally covers the building and its structure—such as the roof, walls, and other structural components. It does not cover your personal belongings inside the apartment.
Your Renters Insurance can help cover belongings such as:
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Furniture
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Electronics and computers
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Clothing and shoes
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Appliances you own
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Bicycles, subject to the applicable sports equipment sublimit under the base policy; for high-value bicycles, consider adding Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) coverage
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Other personal belongings
For example, if hurricane-force winds damage your apartment window and rain enters through that opening, damage to your covered personal property may be covered. The building's insurance may cover the damaged window or structure, while your renters insurance addresses your belongings.
What Does Renters Insurance Cover During a Hurricane?
Coverage depends on what caused the damage. Here's the key distinction:
The important rule: If covered wind or hail damages the building and creates an opening through which rain enters, the resulting damage may be covered. If water rises from flooding or storm surge, Renters Insurance does not cover it.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Flooding From a Hurricane?
Your Renters Insurance policy does not include coverage for damage caused by flooding, even if the hurricane caused the flooding. If you have questions about flood coverage options, contact Kanguro Insurance directly to learn more.
The Wind-and-Water Rule Explained
Here's the simplest way to remember it:
If covered wind damages your home and creates an opening that allows rain to enter, the resulting damage may be covered. If water rises and enters because of flooding or storm surge, it isn't covered by Renters Insurance.
The exact coverage depends on the policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and the circumstances of the loss.
That's why the source of the water matters—not simply the fact that a hurricane caused the damage.
What Happens If a Hurricane Makes My Apartment Uninhabitable?
Your Renters Insurance may help pay for temporary living expenses when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.
This coverage is commonly known as Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE). With Kanguro Insurance, ALE is included in the policy, but it applies only when your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, such as wind or hail damage caused by a hurricane. It does not apply if the cause of the loss is not covered under your policy, such as flooding or storm surge.
What Is the Hurricane Deductible in Florida?
Florida renters should pay particular attention to their deductibles.
A Florida Kanguro renters policy can have:
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A standard deductible for covered losses from other perils.
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A separate hurricane deductible of 2% of the personal property limit.
Example: A hurricane damages your belongings by $4,000.
Here’s how it works:
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You pay the first $1,000 as your hurricane deductible.
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Your insurance covers the remaining $3,000, subject to your policy terms and limits.
Check your Declarations Page to confirm the exact deductible that applies to your policy.
Do Georgia and Texas Have a Separate Hurricane Deductible?
No. For the Kanguro renters policies described here, Georgia and Texas do not have a separate hurricane deductible. The standard deductible applies to covered losses.
Always check your Declarations Page for the deductible that applies to your specific policy.
Can I Buy Renters Insurance When a Hurricane Is Approaching?
Don't wait until a hurricane is approaching to buy or increase coverage.
Insurance companies may temporarily restrict binding new policies or increasing coverage when a named storm or other severe weather threat is approaching. These restrictions can vary depending on the circumstances and may affect new policies or coverage increases.
If you already have an active Kanguro policy, your existing coverage remains in effect during the event, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. These restrictions apply to new policies or increases in coverage.
The safest approach is to review your coverage before hurricane season, not after a storm is already on the way.
How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need Before Hurricane Season?
Don't choose your limit based only on the minimum required by your lease.
Instead, estimate how much it would cost to replace everything you own, including:
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Furniture
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Electronics
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Clothing
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Kitchen items
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Jewelry and other valuables — the base policy has sublimits for jewelry; consider the Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) endorsement for broader coverage
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Sports equipment, which is subject to a sublimit under the base policy
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Bicycles
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Personal items
If you would like to review or adjust your personal property limit to make sure your belongings are adequately protected, we recommend reaching out to the Kanguro team. An agent can help you estimate the appropriate coverage amount based on the actual value of your belongings and guide you through the options available under your policy.
How to Prepare Your Apartment for Hurricane Season
You don't need to wait for a storm to start preparing.
1. Create a home inventory
Record a video of your apartment and open closets, cabinets, and drawers. Take photos of expensive items and record serial numbers when available.
Save the inventory somewhere secure, such as cloud storage.
2. Review your personal property limit
Compare your current limit with the estimated replacement cost of everything you own.
3. Know your deductibles
Check your Declarations Page so you know what you would have to pay after a covered claim. If you live in Florida, look specifically for your hurricane deductible.
4. Understand flood coverage: Your Renters Insurance policy does not cover flooding or storm surge. If you have questions about additional protection options, contact Kanguro directly.
5. Review your coverage before a storm
Don't wait until a named storm is approaching to discover that your coverage limit or deductible isn't what you expected.
Hurricane Renters Insurance: What Renters in Florida, Georgia, and Texas Should Know
The basic rule is straightforward:
Hurricane wind and hail damage may be covered. Flooding and storm surge are not covered. Your landlord's insurance generally protects the building, while your Renters Insurance protects your personal belongings and may provide Loss of Use coverage if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.
Coverage availability depends on your active policy and the endorsements you have selected. Some coverage options may not be available in every state. Contact Kanguro to confirm what is included in your specific policy.
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