Homeowners insurance in Florida is a must-have for anyone who has a property of their own. It provides peace of mind, financial protection, and assurance that you are covered if any damages should occur on your property.
To find the right policy for you and your family’s needs, it's important to talk to an experienced homeowners insurance agent who can check options with different carriers to find the best possible deal. With homeowners insurance in Florida, you will have the protection you need so you can enjoy your home in peace.
The Types of Homeowners Insurance Available in Florida
Purchasing homeowners insurance for a home in Florida can feel intimidating, especially with all the coverage options available. When purchasing homeowners insurance, it's important to make sure you have the three types of coverages:
Property Insurance to cover your dwelling and personal property against certain risks; Personal Liability Protection to protect you from a variety of legal claims; and Additional Living Expenses that help pay for temporary arrangements or lodging in case of damage to your home.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage A - Dwelling
Protects against the damage and possible loss of your home in the event of a covered peril such as a hurricane, wind, hail, lightening or fire. It’s important to insure your home for its current replacement value.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage B - Other Structures on Your Property
In Florida, this is typically a detached garage, shed, and/or other structures on your property not connected to your home.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage C - Personal Property
Take your home, flip it upside down, and everything that falls out is likely Personal Property. These are your personal belongings – Furniture, clothing, electronics, clothing, guns, jewelry, etc.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage D - Loss of Use
Provides coverage for your living expenses if you cannot live in your home due to a covered claim. This type of coverage typically covers hotels, food, and other living expenses you may incur while your home is being repaired.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage E - Personal Liability
This is the most important homeowners insurance coverage to think about. What are you trying to protect? If you or anyone in your household is accused of accidentally causing injury or damage to property, your home insurance liability coverage can help by providing for legal defense fees and, in the event of a settlement or judgment, can pay damages (up to your policy limit). You may want to even consider an Excess Liability (also known as Umbrella) policy.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage F - Medical Payments
Guest medical coverage is included in most home insurance policies. This provides protection for your guests, should they be injured in or around your home accidentally.
Typically,, policyholders with guest medical coverage can feel confident in their ability to help pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses (up to policy limits) caused by accidents at your home that are not covered by liability protection.
Homeowners Insurance - Deductibles
All Other Perils (AOP) -
$500, $1000, or $2500 - A higher deductible can have a lower annual premium, but more out of pocket expenses at the time of a loss. A lower deductible will mean less out of pocket if you file a claim, but a higher premium on your homeowner’s policy. Which you do feel more comfortable with?
Homeowners Insurance - Hurricane
The market standard in Florida is to carry a 2% Hurricane Deductible. This is a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, a home with $250,000 in dwelling coverage and a 2% deductible, will have a $5000 which will be deducted from the final claim payout. Many carriers are now offering $500, $1000, $2500, 2%, 5% and 10% options. Choose a deductible that best fits your needs.
Optional Coverages for Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Replacement Cost on Contents
Screened Enclosure Coverage – May or may not include screening.
Water Backup and Sump Overflow
Flood Endorsement – Many carriers offer this on your home insurance policy now.
Ordinance or Law Coverage (10%, 25% or 50%)
Sinkhole Coverage
Loss Assessment
Talk to a Richard Dean Insurance agent today to learn more about these homeowners insurance policies. Our agency promises to make sure we find the best homeowners insurance rate for you.
We have up to 16 different A-rated home insurance companies. You can be confident knowing that we always insure homes through the most financially stable insurance carriers