Which homeowners ins co provides best response after hurricanes?

[Douglas T.]

Hello. I will soon be a South Florida homeowner moving from out of state. I'm shopping for homeowners insurance. With all of the US hurricanes in the last 10-15 years, I would think the data would be out there about which insurance companies have provided the most rapid response and/or which companies have responded best to their customers' satisfaction. Any ideas about where I could obtain this information?  I'd also appreciate any tips you guys might want to add about homeowners insurance in a hurricane prone area that I might not think of.  I know I have to get my flood insurance separately.  I'm not quite sure how this works still.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Dave Foster]

@Douglas T. I'm jaded so take it with a grain of salt.  But after 17 years and 8 major hurricanes directly over me two things have become clear - First stay away from me!  Second, insurance is not designed for your benefit but to make money for the shareholders of the insurance company.  So do not depend on an insurance company.  Self is the best insurance company of all.  

Buy strong construction.  Further wind proof your structure.  When a hurricane comes take a hurrication and do not stay home.  When you come back fire up the generator @Share Ross suggests.  Make a margarita and remember that the worst day in paradise is still better than the best day in the alternative.