Wells Insurance Blog

How to Protect Your Coastal Home from Hurricanes and Flood Damage

Written by Wells Insurance | Jul 10, 2025 8:21:18 PM

If you’ve chosen to retire along the North Carolina coast, you likely did so for the calm, the beauty, and the rhythm of the tide—values that reflect the way you’ve chosen to live this next chapter. But as you've seen over the years, with coastal living comes real risk: hurricane winds, flooding rains, and rising repair costs can threaten the home you've worked so hard to maintain. As a retiree with a coastal home in North Carolina, you're likely focused on preserving your property, protecting your investment, and maintaining peace of mind year-round.

At Wells Insurance, we understand that you're not just looking for a policy—you’re looking for someone who will take the time to listen, explain, and walk alongside you. We believe that trust, clarity, and long-term relationships matter more than ever, especially when it comes to protecting what you’ve built. If you're seeking dependable coastal NC  home insurance, here’s what you should know—and how to prepare.

Know What Your Insurance Actually Covers

Over the years, insurance has gotten more complicated. What used to be included in a homeowners policy may now require separate coverage. If you’re not sure whether you’re covered for wind, hail, or flooding, you’re not alone. Many standard policies either exclude wind and hail or carry high deductibles in coastal areas. And flood damage—caused by rising water or storm surge—isn’t covered by most homeowners policies at all.

That’s why it’s important to:

  • Review your policy with someone who will take the time to explain the fine print

  • Make sure you have a separate flood policy through the  National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer

  • Check that your coverage limits reflect today’s rising costs of labor and materials

Our team at Wells Insurance is committed to being that trusted voice who helps you understand—not just sell you—coverage.

Smart, Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home

Preparation isn’t about panic—it’s about peace of mind. You don’t need to do everything at once, but a few practical steps now can save time, money, and stress later:

1. Strengthen What Matters Most

  • Add storm shutters or upgrade to impact-resistant windows

  • Reinforce garage and entry doors with stronger hardware

2. Check Your Roof and Gutters

  • Make annual roof inspections part of your routine

  • Clear out gutters to keep water flowing away from your home

3. Raise What Can Be Raised

  • Move HVAC units, water heaters, and electrical panels above flood level if possible

  • Keep important documents and family keepsakes in waterproof containers

4. Tidy the Yard Before Storm Season

  • Trim trees, secure outdoor furniture, and remove debris

These aren’t flashy upgrades—they’re solid, proven steps that make your home safer.

We’re Not Just Your Agent—We’re Your Neighbor

Insurance isn’t about numbers on paper. It’s about making sure that when a storm hits, you know you’re covered—and that you have someone to call who knows your name.

At Wells Insurance, we’ve helped generations of coastal families prepare for the unpredictable. We’ll sit down with you, answer your questions without pressure, provide straightforward advice, and help you make confident decisions about your home insurance. We work closely with retirees and coastal homeowners to ensure your coverage matches your needs today and tomorrow.

Let’s Review Your Policy—Together

If you’re retired and living along the North Carolina coast, now’s the time to make sure your coverage is where it needs to be. Whether it’s wind, hail, or flood protection, we’re here to guide you with the respect, care, and dependability you deserve. 

Call us today at 910-762-8551 or Contact Wells Insurance via our website to schedule your personal coastal policy review with a trusted local advisor. No rush. No jargon. Just honest guidance.

Because protecting your home is part of protecting your peace of mind.