FL Homeowners Insurance — Save Money

Find the right homeowners policy for your Florida home. Hurricane, flood, and liability coverage from top-rated carriers. No-obligation quote in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between HO-3 and HO-5 policies?

HO-3 (special form) is the most common homeowners policy. It covers your dwelling on an open-perils basis (all risks except those specifically excluded) and personal property on a named-perils basis (only listed perils like fire, theft, wind). HO-5 (comprehensive form) covers both dwelling and personal property on an open-perils basis, providing broader coverage for your belongings. HO-5 costs 10-20% more but offers significantly better protection.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No, standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. You need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Flood insurance covers rising water from storms, overflowing rivers, and storm surge. Even if you're not in a high-risk flood zone, you can still purchase flood coverage—20-25% of flood claims occur outside high-risk areas. NFIP policies take 30 days to become effective, so don't wait for a storm warning.

How much dwelling coverage do I need?

Your dwelling coverage should equal the full replacement cost of your home—what it would cost to rebuild at today's construction prices, not your home's market value or purchase price. Market value includes land (which doesn't need insurance), while replacement cost is often higher due to building codes and construction costs. An insurance appraisal or contractor estimate can determine accurate replacement cost. Under-insuring can trigger coinsurance penalties where claims are only partially paid.

What is loss of use coverage?

Loss of use (also called Additional Living Expenses or ALE) pays for hotel, meals, and other costs if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss. It typically covers 20-30% of your dwelling coverage—if you have $300,000 dwelling coverage, you'd have $60,000-90,000 for temporary housing. Coverage continues until your home is repaired or you reach the policy limit. This is crucial in Florida where hurricane repairs can take 6-12 months.

Are expensive items like jewelry and electronics fully covered?

Standard homeowners policies have sub-limits for certain valuables—typically $1,500 for jewelry, $2,500 for electronics, and $2,500 for firearms. If you own expensive items, you need to schedule them (add them specifically to your policy with appraisals) or purchase a personal articles floater. Scheduled items are covered for their full appraised value with no deductible. This is essential for engagement rings, watches, cameras, art, and collectibles.

Get a free quote or call (904) 900-5063 — Atesa Risk Advisors, independent Florida insurance brokerage.