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It's wind vs. water in many a hurricane insurance claim, so be sure you know the difference - and obtain both hurricane and flood insurance when protecting your home.

During hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many residents thought they bought hurricane insurance as part of their homeowners policy, which excludes damage from floods.

While a typical homeowner’s policy covers wind damage, it only covers water damage that is a direct result of rain entering through a wind-damaged area.

Depending on the policy, it will also cover resulting fire or vandalism, debris removal and repairs, and cash or replacement value of damaged property. Additional living expenses (ALE) may also be provided should it become necessary for you to stay at a hotel if your home becomes unliveable.

Insurance adjusters are specially trained to tell the difference between flood and hurricane damage. However, since qualifications vary among insurance professionals, you might find yourself protesting the claim if you think it has been wrongfully determined by an inexperienced adjuster. You can also file a complaint with your state insurance department or as a last resort hire an attorney to continue the fight.

On the Web, find out more about protecting your home from hurricane damage, how to navigate the minefield of hurricane and flood damage coverage, when and how to file a claim, along with expert tips and advice, and related links and resources to information on insuring against hurricanes ....

Hurricane Insurance Information Center - Updated news, facts and statistics, how to settle insurance claims, downloadable home inventory software, small business owner disaster guide, related resources.

5 Tips: What you need to know about insurance after a disaster - Good, basic advice from CNNMoney on filing a claim, documenting damage, protesting claims and avoiding hurricane insurance scams.

After the Storm - Hurricane Insurance Tips - Q&A, preferred insurers contact details, homeowner tips and links to related hurricane insurance info from the Palm Beach Post.

MyFlorida.com - Hurricane Resources - Information central for Florida residents including important insurance contact information, how to apply for state assistance, related links and resources.

Also see in Science --> Hurricane Reports

Also see related Features -> Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Cleaning Up After a Hurricane