Owning a home in Florida and the surrounding coastal areas comes with its own set of responsibilities, and one crucial aspect is securing the right Homeowners insurance policy. Tailored specifically for homeowners in Florida and neighboring regions, these insurance packages seamlessly integrate property and liability coverage into a comprehensive plan.

Standard policies typically encompass four key areas of protection: Structure, Personal Property, Liability, and Loss of Use/Additional Living Expense. Moreover, you have the flexibility to enhance your coverage with additional options to suit your unique needs.

Additional Coverages

For those living in Florida and surrounding coastal areas additional endorsements should be added to your policy. Here are a few endorsements that we strongly recommend:

• Hurricane and Named Storm Coverage: Insurance for hurricanes provides coverage for damages resulting from hurricanes, tropical storms, and other named storms. Typically, it includes protection against wind damage and storm surge.
• Water Backup Coverage: You may be surprised to learn that damage caused by water that backs up into the home from a sewer, sump, or drain such as a toilet overflow is not covered under most homeowner’s policies, and is not included in flood insurance. An endorsement policy, often called a Water Backup endorsement, is needed to cover water damage which occurs due to water back flow into your home.
• Underground Service Line Coverage: as a homeowner you are responsible for maintaining the service lines from your home to your property line – and a standard homeowner’s policy does not include cover service line damage.  This endorsement can help pay for repairs and expenses related to repairs.  It may also cover hotels, meals, and other expenses if you cannot stay in your home while repairs are being done.
• Earthquake Coverage: an earthquake policy is needed to cover damage caused by shaking, such as structural collapse.
• Sink Hole Coverage: also known as "catastrophic ground cover collapse insurance," is specifically designed to protect property owners from the financial consequences of sinkhole-related damage.
• Mold Coverage: Removing mold from your home often includes testing, removal, and cleaning which can quickly outpace the mold damage coverage limit on a standard homeowners' policy.  A Mold Endorsement allows you to increase your limits to better protect your financial wellbeing. 
• Screened Enclosure and Carport Coverage: This endorsement offers protection for screened enclosures and aluminum-framed carports that sustain damage due to a hurricane. Typically, standard homeowners insurance in Florida doesn't provide coverage for such damage, even if the policy includes hurricane insurance. If you have a screened enclosure or carport, you should consider this coverage.

Flood Insurance

It is Vital to understand that Flood Insurance is a separate policy and is excluded from a homeowner's insurance policy. 

Condos, Apartments, and Rentals

Homeownership insurance caters not only to those who own their homes but also extends to renters and condo owners. However, it's important to note that policies for rented or condo properties differ slightly, particularly as the structure is insured separately.

Standard Coverage Includes:

Structure Coverage:

Your homeowners policy steps in to cover the repair or rebuilding of your home within the liability limits specified, given that the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a fire. Additionally, other structures on your property, such as a detached garage, are typically covered for 10% of the main structure's coverage. However, you have the option to purchase specified amounts instead.

Personal Property:

Determining the right coverage for personal belongings involves conducting a home inventory. While a standard policy usually covers personal property at 50% of the insurance on your home's structure, it may not be adequate to replace high-value items like electronics, sports equipment, jewelry, and furniture. Home inventory helps establish the necessary limits in case your belongings are stolen or destroyed.

Coverage extends to trees, plants, and shrubs, excluding damage caused by disease or poor maintenance. Personal property coverage also includes items stored off-premises, with the option to purchase additional coverage for valuable items like engagement rings, furs, art, and other collectibles.

Liability Protection:

In the event of a lawsuit claiming bodily injury or property damage caused by you or your household family members, liability protection becomes invaluable. This coverage handles defense costs and court-awarded damages, up to the specified policy limit. It also includes damage caused by your pets to third parties.

Liability protection extends to encompass no-fault medical payments coverage, allowing injured friends and neighbors to submit medical bills directly to the insurance company without resorting to legal action. However, it's essential to note that this does not cover medical bills for you, your family, or your pets.

Loss of Use/Additional Living Expense (ALE) Coverage:

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to damage from an insured peril, ALE coverage steps in to cover hotel costs, restaurant meals, and other expenses beyond your usual living expenses while repairs are underway. Be aware that some policies have time limitations and normal limits on this coverage. For those who rent out part of their homes, ALE coverage also safeguards against the loss of rental income during the uninhabitable period.

Have questions? Contact one of our knowledgeable Agents!