Buying homeowners insurance in Florida is not the same as buying it anywhere else in the country. The state's hurricane exposure, flood risk, sinkhole activity, and volatile insurance market create coverage gaps that catch homeowners off guard at the worst possible time. Before you sign anything, ask these questions.
Standard homeowners policies in Florida exclude flood damage and may limit or exclude sinkhole coverage. Hurricane coverage is typically included, but the devil is in the details. Ask specifically whether the policy covers roof damage from wind-driven rain, whether it pays replacement cost or actual cash value for the roof, and at what age the roof switches to depreciated value. These distinctions can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars after a storm.
Florida policies almost always carry a separate hurricane deductible, and it is usually a percentage of the insured dwelling value—not a flat dollar amount. A 2% hurricane deductible on a $400,000 home means you pay the first $8,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Some carriers offer 5% or even 10% hurricane deductibles to lower the premium. Ask for the exact dollar amount, not just the percentage, so you know what you are committing to. Also confirm when the deductible applies—some policies trigger it only when the National Hurricane Center issues a named storm warning for your county.
Florida's insurance market has seen dozens of carriers become insolvent or non-renew entire books of business following major hurricane seasons. Before binding coverage, ask about:
The answer is almost always yes on flood, and it depends on your location for sinkhole. Flood insurance is a separate policy entirely—your homeowners policy will not pay for rising water, period. Sinkhole coverage may be available as an endorsement or required in certain counties. If you are in a mapped flood zone, your lender will require flood insurance. Even outside a high-risk zone, flooding accounts for billions in uninsured losses in Florida every year.
Florida homeowners who skip these questions before buying often discover the gaps only after a claim is denied or a check falls short of actual repair costs. A Truscott coverage review walks through your specific property, location, and risk profile to make sure your policy answers all the right questions before a storm forces you to ask them. Contact us to review your coverage and close the gaps that Florida's market is known for creating.
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