What insurance risks do Jacksonville homeowners face?
River flooding. The St. Johns River runs right through Jacksonville, and it can flood far from the ocean. When Hurricane Irma passed in September 2017, it caused what local reporting called the worst flooding in the city’s 250 year history. The river reached a record 5.57 feet downtown, streets became rivers, and homes flooded in San Marco and across the city. Upstream, Black Creek in Clay County set a record flood stage.
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so a separate flood insurance policy is worth considering for homes near the river, its creeks and the coast. Most new flood policies take 30 days to start.
Coastal storms. Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Fernandina Beach face wind and storm surge from Atlantic storms and nor’easters. Wind protection like shutters and a strong roof can lower your premium through a wind mitigation inspection.
Older neighborhoods. Areas like Riverside, Avondale and San Marco have many historic and older homes. Insurers look closely at the roof and older systems, so our guides to the four point inspection and insuring an older Florida home are a good place to start.
Why use an independent agency in Jacksonville?
As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers for every client instead of offering one company’s policy. That helps with older homes and homes near the water, where each insurer sets its own rules.
Coverage we offer in Northeast Florida
Areas we serve near Jacksonville
We work with clients across Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties, including Jacksonville, the Beaches, Orange Park, St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach.
Common questions
Does Jacksonville really flood?
Yes, and not only along the coast. During Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the St. Johns River reached a record 5.57 feet downtown, causing what local reporting called the worst flooding in the city's history, with homes flooded in San Marco and across the city. Because homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood, homes near the river, its creeks and the Beaches are worth protecting with a separate flood policy.
Does homeowners insurance cover river flooding?
No. Standard Florida homeowners policies don't cover flooding from rivers, storm surge or heavy rain, even when a hurricane causes it. That takes a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. Most new flood policies have a 30 day waiting period, so buy before a storm is in the forecast.
Do you serve the Jacksonville Beaches?
Yes. Marshall Insurance Group serves Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, along with Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach and the rest of Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties. Beach homes face both wind and storm surge, so we look at homeowners and flood coverage together to avoid gaps.
Are hurricanes a risk in Jacksonville?
Yes. Jacksonville sees fewer direct hits than South Florida, but Hurricane Irma showed that a storm passing nearby can still bring damaging wind, storm surge and record river flooding. Florida homeowners policies have a separate hurricane deductible, and insurers must generally offer $500, 2%, 5% or 10% of your dwelling coverage. Flood needs its own policy, so review both before hurricane season.