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Hundreds of people still haven’t been paid for their hurricane losses in 2004 or 2005. A national survey being released later this week claims a high percentage of people living in coastal states aren’t prepared for the worst. As Whitney Ray tells us, how you survive a storm might depend on how you prepare.

Hear it Here: Prepare Now or Pay Later

Some people who lost it all in the 2004-2005 hurricanes will never be fully compensated for their loss. Insurance agents say many people aren’t as covered as they think.

“Everybody, particularly residents in the state of Florida, need to make sure they have separate coverage from the federal government for flood insurance. The lessons are all over the place,” said Scott Johnson, Executive Vice President for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.

Agents say people should take out extra policies if they have free standing buildings or expensive property.

“You might have some items that need to be scheduled specifically. You might have jewelry, furs, or a gun collection,” said Johnson.

In order to make claims on your property you may want to spend a few hours taking pictures. Insurance regulators say make sure your pictures and receipts don’t blow away in the storm.

“Keep it in a safe place, a safety deposit box at a bank or even some safe box that is part of your hurricane kit that you pick up and take it with you when you leave the house,” said Ed Domansky, Spokesman for the Office of Insurance Regulation.

A spokeswoman for the state’s Chief Financial Officer said Floridians need to have their homes inspected.

“About 60 percent of the people that we give free wind inspections to are already eligible to save about 200 off insurance without doing a thing,” said Tara Klimek, a spokeswoman for the state’s Chief Financial Officer.

Hardening your home can help save you money on your premium and save your home from blowing away. For more information about state and federal hurricane preparedness resources you can call 1-800-22STORM.