What happened in Wilbur-by-the-Sea during Hurricane Nicole?

Nicole's surf and surge washed away beach and dunes in November 2022, and several homes collapsed. Volusia County deemed 49 beachfront buildings unsafe.

Does insurance cover beach erosion damage?

Often not fully. Homeowners policies typically exclude earth movement, and flood policies limit erosion-related losses. Ask an agent how your policies treat it.

Do I need flood insurance in Daytona Beach?

Homeowners policies don't cover flood or surge, and most Citizens policies must carry flood coverage by January 1, 2027.

Volusia County

Home and auto insurance in Daytona Beach and Volusia County

By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated October 31, 2026

The short answer

In November 2022, Hurricane Nicole's surf and surge stripped away beaches that Hurricane Ian had weakened weeks earlier. In Wilbur-by-the-Sea, homes collapsed onto the beach, and Volusia County deemed dozens of beachfront buildings unsafe. For oceanfront owners, erosion and earth movement are coverage gaps that standard homeowners policies often exclude.

Ian, then Nicole

Volusia County's sheriff said Hurricane Ian had softened the coastline before Nicole arrived in November 2022. News 4 Jax reported that county officials deemed 49 beachfront buildings unsafe, including hotels, condos and single-family homes in Wilbur-by-the-Sea.

Erosion is a coverage gap

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earth movement, and damage from waves and surge is flood. Flood policies have their own limits on erosion-related losses. If you own oceanfront property, ask an agent exactly how your wind and flood policies treat erosion and undermining of the foundation.

Flood coverage on the coast

NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start. Most Citizens policies with wind coverage must carry flood coverage by January 1, 2027.

Auto insurance in Daytona Beach and Volusia

Volusia County drivers carry Florida's minimums: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Comprehensive coverage pays for flood or storm damage to your car.

Common questions in Daytona Beach and Volusia

What happened in Wilbur-by-the-Sea during Hurricane Nicole?: Nicole's surf and surge washed away beach and dunes in November 2022, and several homes collapsed. Volusia County deemed 49 beachfront buildings unsafe.
Does insurance cover beach erosion damage?: Often not fully. Homeowners policies typically exclude earth movement, and flood policies limit erosion-related losses. Ask an agent how your policies treat it.
Do I need flood insurance in Daytona Beach?: Homeowners policies don't cover flood or surge, and most Citizens policies must carry flood coverage by January 1, 2027.

Local resources

Related Florida guides

Sources

General information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source.