What does homeowners insurance cover?
A typical Florida homeowners policy has several parts:
- Your home. Repairs or rebuilding after covered damage like fire, wind, hail or theft.
- Other structures. Detached garages, fences and sheds.
- Your belongings. Furniture, clothing and electronics, at home or away.
- Liability. If someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
- Living expenses. Help with a place to stay if a covered loss makes your home unlivable.
Flood is not included. It needs its own policy. See flood insurance in Florida.
What is a hurricane deductible?
In Florida, hurricane damage has its own deductible, separate from the deductible for everything else. Insurers must generally offer you a choice of $500, 2%, 5% or 10% of your dwelling coverage. Homes insured for $250,000 or more may not get the $500 option.
The hurricane deductible applies to storms the National Hurricane Center declares hurricanes. It starts when a hurricane warning is issued for any part of Florida and ends 72 hours after the last watch or warning ends. It applies once per calendar year with the same insurer, so a second hurricane that year doesn’t mean paying the full deductible again.
A higher percentage lowers your premium but means paying more yourself after a storm. Your agent can show you the cost of each option side by side.
How can I lower my homeowners premium?
Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts or credits for features that reduce windstorm damage, such as:
- A stronger roof, securely attached to the home
- Connections that keep wind from lifting the roof, like hurricane straps
- Protection for windows and doors, like impact glass or shutters
A wind mitigation inspection documents these features so your insurer can apply the discounts. Our guide explains how a wind mitigation inspection works.
What is a four point inspection?
It’s an inspection of four systems: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling. Many insurers ask for one before insuring an older home. If something needs updating, knowing early helps you find a carrier that will cover the home. Our guide explains what a four point inspection checks.
What kinds of homes can be insured?
Marshall Insurance Group insures:
- Primary homes
- Secondary and seasonal homes
- Rental properties
- Vacant homes
- Homes under construction, with builder’s risk coverage
Renting? See renters insurance.
What if I’m with Citizens?
Citizens Property Insurance is Florida’s state backed insurer, often used when private carriers aren’t an option. An independent agent can check whether private carriers will now insure your home, and help you meet Citizens’ flood insurance requirement if you stay. Our guide covers alternatives to Citizens.
Common questions
Is homeowners insurance required in Florida?
Florida law doesn't require homeowners insurance, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will almost always require it. Even without a mortgage, a policy protects your home, other structures, belongings and liability, and helps with living expenses if a covered loss makes the home unlivable.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Yes for wind, no for flood. Wind damage from a hurricane is usually covered by a Florida homeowners policy, subject to your separate hurricane deductible. Flooding, including storm surge, isn't covered and needs a separate flood insurance policy, which most often takes 30 days to start.
What is a hurricane deductible?
A hurricane deductible is a separate deductible that applies to hurricane damage in Florida. Insurers must generally offer $500, 2%, 5% or 10% of your dwelling coverage, though homes insured for $250,000 or more may not get the $500 option. For example, a 2% deductible on a home insured for $300,000 is $6,000. It applies once per calendar year with the same insurer.
How can I lower my homeowners premium in Florida?
Get a wind mitigation inspection. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts or credits for features that reduce wind damage, such as roof straps, a stronger roof and impact windows or shutters, but only once they're documented. Comparing carriers through an independent agent also helps, since each prices the same home differently. A higher hurricane deductible lowers the premium too, but means paying more yourself after a storm.
What is a four point inspection?
A four point inspection checks the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, recording the age, type and condition of each. Many Florida insurers ask for one before insuring an older home, and Citizens requires one for homes more than 20 years old. It usually takes less than an hour.