Mississippi insurance commissioner urges residents to review storm, flood coverage
STATEWIDE — Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney urged residents to review their insurance policies and prepare their homes ahead of hurricane season, citing recent flooding on the Gulf Coast and in the Pine Belt.
Chaney said there is no single “hurricane insurance” policy but homeowners can buy different types of coverage to protect against storm-related damage.
“Multiple peril insurance is one option that covers wind damage or hail damage caused by a hurricane or other named storms,” Chaney said. “With recent flooding in the Pine Belt and on the Gulf Coast, I hope homeowners will also take a hard look at their flood insurance needs.”
According to the Mississippi Insurance Department, standard homeowners policies generally cover wind and hail but do not cover flooding. Flood insurance typically must be purchased separately, often through the National Flood Insurance Program, and usually includes a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. State officials said fewer than 50,000 flood insurance policies were active in Mississippi as of December 2025.
Chaney urged homeowners to speak with their insurance agents about changing coverage needs and policy details. Officials recommended shopping around for coverage, increasing deductibles, bundling policies and making home improvements to help reduce premiums. They also encouraged residents to create a home inventory using the NAIC Home Inventory App.
Residents with insurance questions or claim issues can contact the Mississippi Insurance Department at 1-800-562-2957 or visit the Mississippi Insurance Department website. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
