Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30
Review your insurance coverage before the season begins. Do not wait until a storm is approaching.
Why Sint Maarten Faces Elevated Hurricane Risk
Sint Maarten is located 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 across both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
The experience of Irma underscored the critical importance of having adequate, up-to-date insurance coverage before hurricane season begins. Many property owners discovered gaps in their coverage only after the storm had passed.
Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Review Your Policy
- Confirm your property is insured for its current replacement value
- Check your hurricane deductible amount
- Verify your policy includes windstorm and storm surge coverage
- Confirm your business interruption coverage if applicable
- Note your insurer's claims contact number
Document Your Assets
- Photograph every room and all valuable items
- Record serial numbers of electronics and appliances
- Store copies of documents (policy, receipts, photos) in the cloud or off-island
- Create a home inventory spreadsheet with estimated values
- Keep receipts for major purchases
Prepare Your Property
- Install hurricane shutters or board up windows
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and equipment
- Clear gutters and drains
- Trim trees near your property
- Check your roof condition before the season begins
After a Storm: Filing a Claim
- Photograph all damage before any cleanup
- Contact Compass Insurances or your insurer immediately
- Do not make permanent repairs until the loss adjuster has assessed the damage
- Keep receipts for all emergency repairs and temporary accommodation
- Maintain a log of all communications with your insurer
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.
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.
Review your coverage before hurricane season
Contact Compass Insurances for a policy review. We will check your coverage levels, deductibles, and ensure you are properly protected before the season begins.
Request a Policy Review