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Caring for your home and loved ones is crucial. That’s why we offer homeowners insurance you can depend on. From dwelling coverage to personal property protection, we provide homeowners insurance policies to suit your needs and budget. Homeowners’ policies cover:

  • Dwelling – Coverage that protects the structure of the home (roof, walls, wall-to-wall carpeting, etc.)
  • Other structures –  Coverage for sheds, detached garages and other structures not connected to the main dwelling itself
  • Personal property – Coverage for personal items (clothing, furniture, appliances, computers, etc.) on and off the premises
  • Loss of use – Coverage for when an insured has to move out of the home while repairs are made as a result of damage caused by a covered loss

Home insurance can also be used as a means of financial protection. If someone sues after being injured on your property, proper home insurance limits can ensure you won’t be paying their legal fees from your pocket.

We also offer insurance policies for owners of second homes and vacation homes. This way, you, your family and your guests are protected wherever you go.

Homeowners insurance and financial standing

If you own a home and have a mortgage, your lien holder (the bank who is invested in your loan) will likely require you to carry insurance on your home. We often partner with banks to allow members to combine their insurance payments and monthly mortgage bill. This is called escrow. Your agent will be happy to review the details with you.

The average cost of home insurance in Florida is $1,727 per year.

You could save $1,000 or more by comparing quotes from multiple companies.

To find the best homeowners insurance in Florida, we reviewed major insurers and collected thousands of Florida quotes. Progressive ASI offered the cheapest rates, but we recommend homeowners also compare service and coverage from different home insurers to find the best coverage in Florida.

The cheapest home insurance companies in Florida

We surveyed 14 of the largest homeowners insurance companies in Florida in order to find the companies with the best rates. In our research, we collected quotes for a home with $214,000 of dwelling coverage — the median value of an owner-occupied home in Florida — for every ZIP code in the state.

We found a surprising range of premiums. The cheapest Florida home insurance companies offered rates well under $1,000 per year — $519 at Univeral North America  and $717 At Progressive ASI

What risks do homeowners face in Florida?

Florida’s position on the Gulf Coast leaves it vulnerable to several major insurance perils, resulting in the highest homeowners insurance costs in the nation. If you live in Florida, we recommend insuring against the most common and expensive perils when buying home insurance.

Wind damage

High winds caused by storms and hurricanes are one of the most frequent and costly causes of property damage in Florida. Fortunately, wind damage is almost always covered by any homeowners insurance policy. However, some coastal homes that are especially susceptible to wind damage may need to purchase a special wind endorsement.

The good news is that state law requires insurers to offer discounts for homeowners who purchase and pass an optional wind mitigation inspection. You’ll receive a list of ways to reduce your home’s risk of storm damage, and if you pass, you’ll get a home insurance discount that more than makes up for the inspection cost.

 

Why Is Florida Homeowners Insurance Going Up?

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Rising cost of Florida Homeowner Insurance

The perfect storm that has been brewing in Florida’s property insurance marketplace has finally made landfall—and it’s wreaking havoc on homeowners insurance rates.

The three leading causes of premium spikes include Assignment of Benefits fraud, Hurricane Irma, and reinsurance claims. Let’s look at the impact of these three factors to answer the question: why is Florida homeowners insurance going up?

Cause No. 1: Assignment of Benefits Fraud

What is an AOB?

An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is an agreement that transfers a homeowner’s insurance claims rights to a third party. Signing an AOB form gives someone else the power to file claims, make repair decisions, and collect insurance payments on the homeowner’s behalf.

For example, if a home is damaged, a homeowner calls a repair contractor, like a roofer or plumber. The contractor then gets the homeowner to sign an AOB. That contractor is now free to file a claim on the homeowner’s behalf and directly collect a check from the insurance company.

Entering into an AOB agreement seems like a tempting offer since most homeowners prefer not to be involved in the claims process. However, handing over insurance claims rights to a contractor is hardly ever a good idea.

How AOB Scams Work

Many things can go wrong when a contractor works directly with an insurance company. Without the homeowner’s oversight, they can easily overestimate the value of their work to pocket more money. When an insurance company recognizes an amount has been inflated and refuses to pay the padded bill, the contractor may hire a lawyer and sue the insurance company. And without realizing it, the homeowner becomes embroiled in a messy, pricy lawsuit.

How does AOB fraud impact homeowners insurance ?

Both insurance companies and homeowners pay a steep price for AOB abuse. Insurance companies are forced to either pay inflated repair bills or sue contractors and pay for the cost of defense, whether they fight, or settle, that lawsuit. As a result, many carriers must petition for higher rates or stop issuing policies in Florida. Homeowners, on the other hand, get stuck with costly and substandard repairs, hefty lawyer’s fees, and, consequently, higher insurance premiums.

Every Florida homeowner with an insurance policy—even those who play by the rules—ends up paying the price for AOB abuse. That’s why it is crucial homeowners be able to spot home repair insurance scams.

Cause No.2: Hurricane Irma

The storm’s statewide devastation

Hurricane Irma struck Florida twice on September 10, 2017, first as a Category 4 at Cudjoe Key and then again as a Category 3 on Marco Island. The storm unleashed 130 mph winds, spawned 23 tornadoes, and produced heavy rain across the state. By the time Irma crossed the border into Georgia as a tropical storm on September 11, it had caused close to $50 billion in damages, making it the costliest hurricane in Florida’s history.

Irma’s impact on the insurance market

While Hurricane Irma hit Florida in 2017, insurance companies saw claims from the storm steadily increase through 2019—two years after the storm’s initial impact. That’s because a statewide law gives Florida homeowners up to three years from the date a hurricane makes landfall to report a hurricane claim.

Irma’s cost to homeowners today

The high number of re-opened claims over three years, combined with AOBs, led to claims inflation and steady loss creep, which factored into this year’s reinsurance renewals. As a result, Florida homeowners faced significant insurance rate hikes in 2020.

According to Reinsurance News’ directory of major insurance and reinsurance loss events, Hurricane Irma resulted in an overall economic loss of $67 billion, including a reinsurance industry loss of $32 billion. But what is reinsurance, and how does it factor into homeowners insurance cost?

Cause No. 3: Reinsurance Claims

What is reinsurance?

Dubbed “insurance for insurance companies” by the Reinsurance Association of America, reinsurance is a form of insurance purchased by carriers to lower their risk.

The goal is to make sure no single insurance company is exposed to a significantly massive disaster—like a hurricane.

Because in the insurance business, it’s a matter of when (not if) disaster strikes. Reinsurance limits the amount of loss an insurance company can potentially suffer, which protects them from financial ruin and policyholders from uncovered losses.

Why reinsurance matters to policyholders

Reinsurance protects carriers from bearing the entire financial toll of a catastrophic event, like Hurricane Irma. And by transferring portions of their risks, insurance companies can make their premiums more affordable for homeowners. That’s a good thing for policyholders.

How reinsurance factors into homeowners insurance costs

Between 2005 and 2016, not a single hurricane made landfall in Florida. But the tides changed after a slew of hurricanes, including Harvey, Irma and Maria, made landfall in 2017, costing close to $283 billion in damages and resulting in one of the costliest loss years on record for the insurance industry. Meanwhile, the estimated insured losses for 2018’s Hurricane Michael in Florida reached $7.4 billion, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

For insurance carriers, the increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as major hurricanes, has drastically changed the cost of doing business in Florida. When factored into reinsurance renewals, the costs of the 2017-2018 hurricane season alone caused significant rate hikes for Florida homeowners in 2019 and 2020.

What’s on the Horizon

Rising cost of Florida Homeowner Insurance

AOB fraud, Hurricane Irma, and reinsurance costs have all contributed to rising homeowner insurance rates for Floridians. However, there has been some reform, especially regarding AOB scams.

In May 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7065: Insurance Assignment Agreements, which addressed AOB abuse. The reform bill aimed to curb AOB fraud which has resulted in rising insurance costs for Floridians. (Download our quick guide on how to avoid falling victim to AOB fraud and abuse).

“I thank the Florida Legislature for passing meaningful AOB reform, which has become a racket in recent years,” DeSantis said. “This legislation will protect Florida consumers from predatory insurance practices.”

While reforms for Florida’s AOB crisis helps address some of the costs, there will always be hurricane-related losses, especially since homeowners have three years from the date a hurricane makes landfall to file for loss or damages. And that means demands for rate increases from reinsurers aren’t likely to drop anytime soon, forcing insurance companies to increase premiums for homeowners.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

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Water damage is one of the leading claims filed by homeowners and accounts for billions of dollars in losses annually in the U.S. Yet many homeowners are unaware of what types of water perils are—and are not—covered by their home insurance policy. Unfortunately, this can put homeowners in a slippery and stressful situation. Imagine having to file a water-related claim, and then discovering the damage is only partially covered—or worse, not covered at all by your home insurance policy. Does your homeowners insurance cover water damage and common water perils? Let’s find out…

Does Home Insurance Cover Broken or Burst Pipes?

Whether caused by clogs, water pressure spikes, or even frozen water, burst pipes are one of the top causes of water damage in homes. Excessive water force may cause pipes to swell and eventually break, spouting water everywhere and damaging floors, carpeting, drywall, and insulation.

Facts about Leaky and Burst Pipes

The average home loses 14 percent of its water to leaks.

  • Water-damage claims, mostly from leaky or burst pipes, are the leading cause of increased home insurance rates.
  • Water damage caused by plumbing failures and frozen pipes is the second leading cause of property loss.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need?

Water damage from a burst pipe is typically covered under a standard HO3 homeowner’s insurance policy. However, damage caused by sewer and drain backups is not usually covered. For complete protection in case of a backup-related incident, you can add sewer backup coverage to your policy.

What’s Covered?

Most HO3 homeowners policies cover water damage caused by a burst pipe as long as the incident is sudden and accidental. If water damage occurs outside of your home, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that a burst pipe was the culprit. Keep in mind that water damage resulting from unresolved maintenance issues, such as ongoing leaking near a sink faucet or washing machine, will probably not be covered, and your claim may be denied.

Does Home Insurance Cover Floods?

A flood is any overflow of water caused by storm surge or rising water from heavy rain—something you see a lot of in Florida. Remember, you don’t need to live near a lake, river or the coast to experience a flood.

Facts about Floods:

  • Floods are the leading natural disaster in the U.S.
  • 25 percent of flood losses come from low- to moderate-risk areas in Florida.
  • On average, as little as two inches of water in your home can cause $7,800 or more in damage.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need?

Losses due to flooding are not typically covered under your home insurance policy, so we recommend purchasing a supplementary Florida Flood Insurance policy for complete protection. Flood insurance policies are issued by First Community Insurance Company, which is authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to sell flood insurance. In some flood zones, you can purchase flood insurance for about $1.40 per day, and it’s 100 percent guaranteed by the U.S. government. Remember, flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before it’s activated, so don’t delay.

What’s Covered?

Flood insurance covers damage caused by overflow of inland or tidal waters that have inundated two or more properties, at least one of which is yours. Keep in mind that flood damage from wind-driven rain is not covered under flood insurance. When rain enters your home through a wind-damaged window, door, wall, or roof, the National Flood Insurance Program considers the resulting damage to be windstorm-related, not flood-related.

Does Home Insurance Cover Wind-Driven Rain?

Windstorms are weather events that produce winds and violent gusts strong enough to cause significant property damage, such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Facts about Windstorms:

  • Windstorms can have wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.
  • Heavy winds cause about $1 billion in damages in the U.S. every year.
  • Approximately 85 percent of all windstorm-related insurance claims result from roof damage.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need?

Windstorm insurance covers damages caused by hurricane-force winds, tornados, hail, and other weather events with wind gusts exceeding 35 miles per hour. In hurricane-prone states like Florida, you may be required to purchase a separate windstorm policy to provide complete protection of your home.

What’s Covered?

Windstorm insurance typically covers damages to the structure of your home and the personal belongings inside of it. Most policies also include coverage for detached structures such as garages, sheds, and swimming pools. Windstorm events like hurricanes are often followed by storm surge and flooding, which are not covered. A flood insurance policy must be purchased separately to cover any damages related to flooding, even if the flooding was caused by a windstorm.

Does Home Insurance Cover Mold?

One common and gross side effect of water damage is mold. In addition to being hazardous to your health, mold can depreciate the value of your home by discoloring walls and ceilings, rotting wooden floorboards and siding, destroying insulation, or emitting a musty odor.

Facts about Mold:

  • The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus.
  • Mold can cause nose stuffiness, coughing or wheezing, and irritation of the throat, eyes and skin.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need?

Most home insurance companies cover mold growth resulting from a covered water peril. While some companies have begun taking steps to avoid or limit their exposure to mold claims , People’s Trust understands that mold must be promptly remediated in order to prevent further damage.

What’s Covered?

Your standard HO3 homeowner’s insurance policy will most likely cover the costs of eliminating mold caused by a burst pipe or other covered water peril. However, your policy will not cover the cost to remove mold caused by neglected maintenance issues, such as ongoing water leaks, humidity problems, or landscaping and drainage issues. Additionally, mold that develops from flooding will not be covered under your standard homeowner’s policy.

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

There’s nothing more comforting than knowing you have a safe roof over your head. Your home’s roof is the first line of defense in protecting you and your belongings from earth, wind, and fire (and more)! But even roofs have their weaknesses…

Facts about Roof Leaks:

  • Roofs, on average, last only half of their designed lifetime.
  • Moisture from leaking roofs causes more damage to homes than termites, fires, and storms combined.
  • 40 percent of all building-related problems are caused by water entering through the roof.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need?

A standard HO3 homeowner’s insurance policy typically covers water damage caused by a roof leak. Whether or not it’s covered depends on the cause of the leak.

What’s Covered?

If the roof leak was caused by Mother Nature (e.g. rain, hurricanes or tornadoes) or other sudden, uncontrollable events, your home insurance policy will likely cover the cost of the associated water damage. On the other hand, roof leaks resulting from failure to maintain your roof as it ages will not be covered. That’s why it’s so important to have your roof inspected and repair or replace it as needed. Because carrier rules and regulations differ among home insurance companies, it’s important to review your policy to make sure you have the insurance you need so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is covered in the event of a water loss.

Vacation and Second Home Insurance: What You Need to Know

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The Best Florida Homeowners Insurance Companies

How to Insure Your Second Home

Many people consider buying a second home for several reasons, including:

  • Vacation home
  • Rental property
  • Tax benefits
  • Long-term profits
  • Flexibility in where you live

No matter what reason you choose to buy a second home, it’s important to protect your large investments with insurance. Just like your primary home, you should obtain homeowners insurance with coverage appropriate to the location of your second dwelling. However, it is essential to understand that there are special considerations for your second home that you may not be aware of.

Check Your Primary Homeowners Insurance Policy

First, check your current homeowners insurance policy to see if it will cover a second home. Some policies may extend coverage, which could make insuring your second place a breeze. However, many insurance companies only cover one home because every home is unique and comes with its own coverage needs. For instance, your vacation home may be in a high-risk area for floods or earthquakes.

Another example could be that your new property is in an area that is prone to vandalism or theft. No matter the reason, it’s important to consult with a homeowners insurance company in your area to assess the needs of your second home.

Insurance Considerations for Your Second Home

Buying an insurance policy for your second home is a lot like buying a policy for your primary home. However, there are some risk factors associated with second homes that may change your insurance rate. Before purchasing a new insurance policy, you should determine the coverage needs for your second home. Many factors will play a significant role in the home’s coverage, including:

  • How often the home is lived in
  • The location of the second home
  • The features included with the second home
  • Any natural hazards near the second home (such as a 100-year floodplain)

How Often the Home Is Occupied

Second homes may not be used or occupied as often as primary homes, especially if it’s a vacation home. The home vacancy is considered a risk for insurance companies, which can increase your rates. There are a few reasons that home vacancy is considered a higher risk:

  • The home could be more prone to theft and vandalism
  • Second homes could have more hazards that go unnoticed
  • Accidents could occur that you would be liable for even if you weren’t there

For instance, if someone uses your pool and has an accident, you could be held liable for their medical bills and legal expenses, even though you weren’t at your home.

Location

Homeowners insurance can vary by location. Insurance companies look at the region you live in, the type of neighborhood, and even the street you live on to determine how much you should pay in premiums. Factors that increase home insurance rates include:

  • Whether your primary insurance company provides coverage in that area
  • The local crime rate
  • The home value
  • The replacement costs

While it’s always a good idea to check with your primary insurance company first, it may not provide coverage outside the region where your first home is. Having to go with a different company may eliminate the possibility of bundling policies or enjoying other discounts.

Many people use their second homes as vacation homes, which are often located in unique places like mountains or beaches. These environments may need specific coverage to protect against natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Home Amenities

Some amenities can increase your insurance rates due to liability risks. If you are looking to outfit your second home with luxuries, there are a few things to consider:

  • Pools and hot tubs: These amenities can increase the replacement value of your home as well as increase your liability risk. The increased risk of accidents, like drowning, for example, can increase your premium.
  • Finished basements: Damage to a finished basement from flooding or burst pipes is more likely to result in a claim than an unfinished basement. These claims could raise your insurance premiums down the line.
  • Expensive items: Homeowners insurance can cover luxury items inside the home but only up to a certain amount. You may need to obtain additional insurance if you would like your possessions protected.
  • Wood-burning stove or fireplace: This amenity is more at risk of fires and smoke damage than gas stoves and fireplaces.

Natural Hazard Risk

Depending on where your second home is located, you may be at higher risk for sustaining damage due to a natural disaster. Typically, major disasters like earthquakes and floods are not covered under a standard homeowners policy, and you would have to purchase additional coverage to protect your second home. Depending on the area, you may need to inquire about add-ons to protect against:

  • Flood: This is usually indicated if your property sits within a 100-year flood zone and if it is near a major body of water like a lake or the ocean.
  • Hurricane: Hurricane paths can be unpredictable, but generally, your state or local government will either strongly encourage or require coverage for hurricanes if you are in a high-risk area.
  • Ground Movement: Most people are familiar with earthquakes, but this type of coverage also protects against damage due to sinkholes. Both types of disasters can be devastating to homeowners, and neither is typically included in standard policies. You’ll want to investigate the area where your second home is located to learn about any fault lines or risk factors that may indicate sinkholes to determine if this coverage is necessary.
  • Hail: This is less a regional risk and has more to do with the age and condition of your roof. Hail damage can occur virtually anywhere, and roofs more than 10 years old may be more expensive to insure—or simply won’t be included in a basic policy.

Ultimately, the coverage add-ons you need will depend heavily on where you opt to purchase a second home, and the research you do into local risk factors and weather trends.

Purchase a Second Home Insurance Policy

Since second homes are typically deemed riskier than primary homes, the home insurance premium tends to be more expensive. Consider bundling your home insurance policy with another kind of insurance coverage to keep premiums as low as possible. Some companies will discount your insurance premiums if you choose to bundle. The most common bundling scenario is home and auto insurance; however, depending on your provider, you may be able to bundle more.

Another option is to upgrade the security at the second home. This upgrade can help lower the risk of loss from burglary and accidents. Additionally, some insurance companies may give discounts to customers who install smart home security features since home security typically falls under protective device discounts.

Protect Your Second Home

To further protect your second home, there are additional steps you can take, including:

  • Obtaining additional coverage, including contents coverage which further protects your possessions in your home
  • Asking friends and neighbors to keep an eye on the house
  • Hiring a seasonal caretaker
  • Putting lamps on timers to turn on and off, creating the illusion that someone is home
  • Installing risk-prevention systems, like water leak sensors
  • Buying a home that is part of a homeowner’s association

A second home may be part of your financial goals. However, there is a lot to consider when it comes to protecting your investment. By understanding the insurance considerations and knowing how much coverage is needed, you can make more informed decisions on your insurance policy for your second home.

Hazard vs. Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference?

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By Guylaine Cadorette | Mar 09, 2021

Shopping for a new home is an exciting time for many Floridians, but few know that the home they choose could make or break their home insurance rates.

Whether you’re searching for an already built home or planning to construct one from the ground up, there are some important factors to consider before you purchase your dream home.

Is Hazard Insurance the Same as Homeowners Insurance?

If you are applying for a mortgage or shopping around for homeowners insurance, you may encounter a variety of terms defining the types of insurance you can purchase and what is included in your policy. Hazard insurance is not a separate policy from homeowners insurance. Instead, it is a specific coverage included in most homeowner’s insurance policies.

Hazard insurance provides specific coverage related to the structure of the dwelling. Besides covering hazard insurance, most home insurance policies will provide additional coverage for other types of damages, such as casualty insurance and liability coverage if someone sustains an injury on the property. Typically, homeowners insurance will contain the following coverages:

  • Hazard coverage
  • Dwelling coverage
  • Additional structure coverage
  • Personal property coverage
  • Loss of use coverage
  • Personal liability coverage
  • Medical payments coverage

What Is Hazard Insurance?

Hazard insurance provides coverage specific to the structure of your home. When asking about the types of insurance you need, lenders will often specifically ask for a hazard insurance policy to ensure that if they issue you a loan at minimum, the structure on the property is covered. Because lenders often ask for hazard insurance specifically, the term’s everyday use has become ambiguous with its true definition.

What Does Hazard Insurance Cover?

Hazard Insurance typically provides coverage in two distinct types; named perils and open perils. Named perils will be specific to your policy and ensure coverage. In contrast, open perils are perils covered that are not explicitly named in your policy. Named perils may include:

  • Home fires and fires caused by natural disasters
  • Smoke damage
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Explosions
  • Wind and damage caused by wind storms, such as falling trees
  • Hail
  • Lightning and burn damage caused by lightning
  • Damage from vehicles
  • Damage from aircraft
  • Damage from riots or civil commotions
  • Damage from volcanic eruptions
  • Falling objects
  • Damage from freezing pipes or AC
  • Accidental damage from electrical currents
  • Damage from the weight of snow, ice, or sleet

Open perils typically cover everything except the following:

  • Earth movements, such as damage from earthquakes
  • Ordinance of law and government action
  • Some types of water damage
  • Damages from power failures
  • Damages from neglect of the property
  • War
  • Theft during active construction
  • Intentional loss
  • Mold, fungus, or wet rot
  • Smog, rust, and corrosion
  • Discharge and seepage of pollutants
  • Birds, vermin, rodents, and insects
  • Damage to the property from animals that you own
  • Normal wear and tear of the dwelling

It is vital to review your insurance policies to understand what your personal policy lists and provides coverage for. Every policy may be unique and may not cover the same types of damage as previous policies you may have had.

Hazard Insurance Claim Reimbursement

If damage occurs to the dwelling covered by hazard insurance, you will be required to first pay the amount defined by your deductible, and the insurer will cover the remaining amount. Your reimbursement will depend on the reimbursement provisions in your policy, typically boiling down to one of the two following:

  • Actual cash value. Actual cash value is typically the least expensive policy to purchase and often offers the smallest amount of reimbursement for damages. Actual cash value provides reimbursement for what your property was worth—including any wear or tear and depreciation at the time it was damaged or destroyed.
  • Replacement cost value. Replacement cost value typically comes at a higher expense but provides reimbursement for the property—regardless of depreciated value. This means that your coverage replaces the damaged or stolen property at its full cost for a brand new item—regardless of wear, tear, and depreciation.

Is Hazard Insurance Required?

Homeowners’ policies and those that include hazard insurance are generally not a legal requirement. However, if you are applying for a mortgage or purchasing your home through a loan, your lender may require you to have a homeowners insurance policy that includes hazard insurance. This lender requirement ensures the lender that if something happens to the dwelling on the property, the asset is covered and financially protected. Some lenders may require you to pay a year’s worth of premiums on the insurance policy in advance of signing a home loan.

While obtaining homeowners insurance and subsequently hazard insurance may not be a legal requirement, it is best to get as much coverage as you can to ensure that your property and valuables are protected in the event of theft, vandalism, accidental damage, or damage caused by unforeseen events such as the weather.

If you own a property that you wish to use as a second home, you may need to consider homeowners insurance for second homes and vacation properties that include hazard insurance or a landlord insurance policy. Choosing between these types of policies will depend on your personal situation and individual needs.

How Much Is Hazard Insurance?

The cost of a homeowners insurance policy that includes hazard insurance will depend upon a few factors that include:

  • The value of the property and dwelling
  • What is included in the policy
  • The policy limit
  • The deductible amount
  • If you choose reimbursement as actual cash value or replacement cost value

Considerations for selecting your insurance will depend on your personal budget and how much you can afford, as well as the type of coverage you decide is necessary to keep your property, dwelling, and personal belongings covered for reimbursement.

For example, you may choose to pay a smaller premium for an insurance policy that does not provide extensive coverage and only offers actual cash value. In the event of damage, your property may not be covered, or you may end up paying more to replace your damaged items.

If you choose a policy with more extensive coverage that includes replacement costs, you may rest assured knowing that your assets are protected; and that you will receive full reimbursement to replace your damaged items or property

6 Surprising Factors That Can Impact Your Home Insurance Rate

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Factors that can impact home insurance

Shopping for a new home is an exciting time for many Floridians, but few know that the home they choose could make or break their home insurance rates.

Whether you’re searching for an already built home or planning to construct one from the ground up, there are some important factors to consider before you purchase your dream home.

How Old Is It?

An older home may be charming and filled with snippets of Florida’s history, but it can also cost more to insure. This is because older homes tend to develop problems more often than newer ones. If you choose to purchase an older home, you can help reduce your home insurance rate by making renovations designed to prevent common problems associated with electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, and foundation. Before starting any renovations, consult with your home insurer to make certain.


Additionally, many Florida home insurance companies offer discounts for purchasing a new home because new structures are generally built with the latest safety codes. In 2001, the state implemented the Florida Building Code, which was designed to protect lives, help reduce property losses in a major storm, and provide a guide for home insurance companies to determine rates.

Improvements under the Florida Building Code include:


• Better structural design requirements to withstand greater wind pressures in South Florida and most coastal areas
• Wind-borne debris protection required on windows in all coastal areas and South Florida
• Improved roof covering systems requirements
• Approval system that ensures that products comply with wind resistance and impact resistance requirements
• Improved window performance labeling requirements

A 2005 study conducted by the University of Florida revealed that homes built in 2002 or later sustained less damage from hurricanes than homes built between 1994 and 2001 under the Standard Building Code. Homes constructed prior to 1994 fared even worse.

The study found that shingle-roofed homes built under the Florida Building code experienced less shingle damage than homes built under the 1994 code. This is critical in hurricanes because loss of too many shingles can compromise the roof and allow rain to enter the home.

The study also discovered that none of the homes built after the requirement for reinforced garage doors sustained significant garage door damage. Meanwhile, garage doors on most homes built prior to 1994 were blown off their tracks, which allowed wind to enter the house and undermine the integrity of the roof from inside.

What Building Materials Were Used?


The materials used to build your home can also influence your home insurance rate. For example, it’s more expensive to insure a wood frame home than one constructed out of brick. Homes made out of wood materials are more prone to fire and wind damage, making them a greater risk than brick homes that are built to withstand these types of hazards.

Hip Roof vs. Gable Roof: What’s the Difference?

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against wind, hail, wildfire, and other hazards, and it is considered the most important part of a house to home insurers. Once a home’s roof is breached, it increases the risk of more serious damage claims. This is why the shape of a home’s roof plays an important role in determining homeowner’s insurance rates in Florida.

Let’s take a look at the most common types of roof shapes – hip and gable

Where Is the Home Located?

Where is the Home Located?

Location significantly impacts homeowner’s insurance rates. Florida’s relatively expensive homeowner’s insurance rates can be attributed to the moderate to high risk of hurricanes, floods, and sinkholes throughout the state, and coastal homes may pay higher premiums to compensate for the elevated risk. Consider distance to the shore as you factor in possible insurance costs.

On the contrary,if your home is located within five miles of a fire station or 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant, your home insurance premium may be lower. Take a moment to determine the distance between your house and these features and provide them to your insurance agent.

What Features Are Included?

Certain features of your home can increase your insurance rates, while others are eligible for discounts.*

Features That May Increase Insurance Rates

  • Inground swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Custom decorative features
  • Extensive landscaping
  • Fireplace or wood-burning stove
  • Deck

Features That May Decrease Insurance Rates

Features That May Decrease Insurance Rates

  • Alarm system (burglar and/or fire)
  • Gated entrance
  • Wind mitigation

*Not all homeowners insurance companies offer the same discounts or use the same criteria to evaluate whether or not a home is eligible for discounts.