HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Home insurance safeguards your house and belongings from risks like fire, theft, storms, and other unexpected events. Plus, it can provide liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property. At BetOnYou, we’ll work with you to customize a policy that protects what matters most—because your home is more than just a house.

Coverage for Natural Disasters

Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes and floods makes it important for homeowners to have insurance that covers these natural disasters. Standard policies typically include windstorm coverage but often exclude flood damage, leaving a gap that only a separate flood insurance can fill.

Protection from Water Damage

Most home insurance policies cover specific water-related incidents, such as a burst pipe, an overflowing washing machine, or sudden roof leaks during a storm. However, they typically exclude flooding from external sources and gradual problems like mold or long-term leaks.

Policy Exclusions and Deductibles

Be aware of policy exclusions and specific deductibles that apply, especially for hurricane-related claims. Florida policies may have separate hurricane deductibles, which are usually higher than standard ones. Understanding these details ensures you’re financially prepared if a storm or other unexpected event occurs.

INSURANCE

HOME

Homeowners insurance in Florida is designed to protect your property and personal assets against various risks. Key terms and conditions typically include:

1. Coverage Types:

Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A): Protects the structure of your home against covered perils.

Other Structures (Coverage B): Covers detached structures like sheds and fences.

Personal Property (Coverage C): Safeguards your belongings within the home.

Loss of Use (Coverage D): Provides additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

Personal Liability (Coverage E): Offers protection against legal claims for bodily injury or property damage.

Medical Payments to Others (Coverage F): Covers medical expenses for guests injured on your property.

2. Covered Perils and Exclusions:

Standard policies cover perils like fire, lightning, windstorms, and hail. Flooding is typically excluded.

3. Deductibles:

Policies may include specific deductibles for hurricanes, often higher than standard deductibles.

4. Policy Conditions:

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their property and mitigating further damage after a loss. Timely reporting of claims and cooperation during the claims process are typically required.

5. Premiums and Renewals:

Premiums are influenced by factors such as location, home value, and claims history.
It's essential to review your policy documents carefully to understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions applicable to your coverage. A BetOnYou licensed insurance agent will provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs.

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  • Dwelling Coverage Pays to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by covered events like fire, wind, hail, lightning, or vandalism. This is the core of your policy and should cover the full cost to rebuild your home at current construction prices.
  • Other Structures Covers detached structures on your property: fences, sheds, detached garages, pool houses, and guest houses.
  • Personal Property Protects your belongings—furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, jewelry—if they’re stolen or damaged by a covered event.
  • Liability Protection Covers legal expenses and medical bills if someone is injured on your property, or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
  • Additional Living Expenses (ALE) If your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss, this coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses while repairs are made.
  • Medical Payments Covers minor medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault.

Flood damage

  • Requires separate flood insurance
  • Earthquake damage
  • Requires separate earthquake coverage
  • Sewer/water backup
  • May require an endorsement
  • Maintenance issues
  • Mold, wear and tear, pest damage
  • Sinkholes May require additional coverage in Florida
  • Valuable items
  • Jewelry, art, collectibles may need scheduled coverage

Specific Considerations  

Hurricane Deductible Florida homeowners have a separate hurricane deductible, typically 2-5% of your dwelling coverage. For a $300,000 home, that’s $6,000-$15,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in for hurricane damage.

Example: If your home has $50,000 in hurricane damage and your deductible is 2% of $300,000 ($6,000), you pay $6,000 and insurance covers $44,000.

Roof Requirements

Many Florida insurers have strict requirements about roof age and condition:

  • Roofs over 15 years old may face higher premiums or limited coverage
  • Some insurers won’t cover roofs over 20 years old
  • A roof inspection may be required before issuing a policy

 Wind Mitigation Discounts

Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts for homes with wind-resistant features. A wind mitigation inspection can document features like:

  • Roof shape and covering
  • Roof deck attachment
  • Roof-to-wall connections
  • Opening protection (hurricane shutters, impact windows)

A wind mitigation inspection typically costs $75-$150 and can save you hundreds of dollars per year on premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does home insurance cover flood damage?

No. Flood damage is excluded from home insurance and requires a separate flood insurance policy for coverage. However, home insurance often covers water damage, which is different from flood damage. Water damage comes from internal issues, like burst pipes, while flood damage is caused by external sources, such as storm surges or flash floods.

2. What does home insurance cover?

Home insurance protects your home’s structure, belongings, and liability for accidents. It also covers additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

3. Can I bundle my home and auto insurance?

Yes! Bundling your home and auto insurance can lead to discounts and streamlined coverage.

4. How much home insurance do I need?

The amount depends on your home’s value, replacement costs, and the value of your belongings. We can help tailor a policy that works for you

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