Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30
Do not wait until a storm is forecast. Preparation takes time — start your checklist now.
Why Preparation Matters in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten sits in the northeastern Caribbean, directly in the path of Atlantic hurricanes. The island experienced catastrophic damage from Hurricane Irma in September 2017 — a Category 5 storm that caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Many property owners discovered gaps in their coverage only after the storm had passed.
Proper preparation serves two purposes: it reduces the physical damage your property sustains, and it ensures your insurance claim is as strong as possible if damage does occur. Insurers look favourably on policyholders who can demonstrate they took reasonable precautions before a storm.
Six Steps to Prepare Your Property
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Before doing anything else, review your property insurance policy. Confirm your insured value reflects current replacement costs — construction prices in Sint Maarten have risen significantly since Hurricane Irma. Check your hurricane deductible (typically 2–5% of insured value), verify windstorm and storm surge coverage, and confirm your policy is active and up to date.
Inspect and Reinforce Your Roof
The roof is the most vulnerable part of any structure during a hurricane. Have a qualified contractor inspect your roof before June 1. Look for loose or missing tiles, deteriorating sealant around vents and skylights, and signs of water infiltration. Consider hurricane straps or clips if your roof structure does not already have them.
Install or Inspect Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are one of the most effective ways to protect windows and doors from wind-driven debris. If you already have shutters, test them before the season begins — ensure all tracks are clear, panels are undamaged, and hardware is secure. If you do not have shutters, consult a contractor about impact-resistant glass or plywood boarding as alternatives.
Secure Outdoor Areas
Outdoor furniture, equipment, signage, and decorative items become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Before a storm approaches, move all portable items indoors or to a secure storage area. Anchor items that cannot be moved. Trim trees and large branches near your property to reduce the risk of falling debris.
Check Drainage and Flood Risk
Clear gutters, downspouts, and drainage channels of leaves and debris. Ensure water can flow away from your foundation. If your property is in a low-lying area, consider sandbags or flood barriers for ground-floor entry points. Review whether your policy includes flood coverage — standard property policies in Sint Maarten often exclude flood damage.
Prepare Utilities and Emergency Supplies
Know how to shut off your electricity, water, and gas. Store at least 72 hours of emergency supplies including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. Keep important documents — insurance policies, identification, property deeds — in a waterproof container or backed up digitally.
Is Your Property Insured for Its True Replacement Value?
Construction costs in Sint Maarten have increased significantly since Hurricane Irma. If your property was insured several years ago and has not been revalued, you may be underinsured. Underinsurance means that in the event of a total loss, your payout will not cover the full cost of rebuilding.
We recommend reviewing your property's insured value annually and updating it to reflect current construction costs. A licensed broker can help you arrange a professional valuation and ensure your coverage is adequate.
Understanding Your Hurricane Deductible
Most property insurance policies in Sint Maarten include a separate hurricane or named storm deductible. This is typically expressed as a percentage of your insured value — for example, 5% of a $400,000 property means a $20,000 deductible before your insurer pays anything. This is significantly higher than a standard deductible and catches many policyholders off guard.
Review your policy documents carefully and speak with your broker if you are unsure of your hurricane deductible amount. Understanding this figure before a storm helps you plan financially for the recovery period.
Is your property adequately covered for hurricane season?
Request a free policy review from Compass Insurances. We will check your coverage levels, hurricane deductible, and insured value — and recommend any adjustments before the season begins.