Why I’m Rethinking My Homeowners Insurance (and You Might Want to, Too)

Last week, during that unexpected tsunami warning, I had just finished styling a condo in Wailea and was heading back to Haʻikū. I realized I was not sure if the condo was close to the flood zone or in the evacuation zone? Thankfully it was in the clear.

Meanwhile, I started the drive home—normally a quick 45 minutes. But that day? It took 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Sitting in standstill traffic gave me plenty of time to think—and what came to mind was homeowners insurance.

• Am I up to date?

• Does my policy reflect what my home is worth today?

• Have I made upgrades that I never reported?

That long drive turned into a reality check. In a place like Hawaiʻi—where nature doesn’t always give us a heads-up—it’s worth asking:

Would my current policy have me covered?

Here are a few things I’m reviewing—and you might want to, too:

• Is your coverage enough to rebuild your home today?

  With rising construction costs, many people are underinsured without realizing it.

• Do you know what’s not covered?

  Floods and hurricanes often require separate policies.

  And yes, in Hawaiʻi, hurricane insurance is typically separate—and often required if you have a mortgage.

• Have you told your insurer about upgrades?

  A new roof, solar panels, kitchen remodels—these can all affect your coverage.

• Are your contact details current?

  It sounds basic, but in an emergency, it matters.

• Almost paid off your mortgage?

  Here’s a commonly overlooked detail: once your lender stops paying your insurance through escrow, you need to switch to self-pay. If you don’t, your policy could quietly lapse—without warning.

Insurance may not be the most thrilling thing to think about, but taking a few minutes to review your policy now could make all the difference later.