Owning a home in Florida is a dream for many, but along with the enjoyment of living in the Sunshine State comes the responsibility of protecting your property from various risks. Florida’s unique weather — including hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms — makes having the right homeowners insurance policy in Florida not just smart, but essential. Understanding your Florida home insurance coverage is the first step to protecting your investment.
A standard homeowners insurance policy offers essential protection, but what does it actually cover? In this post, we’ll break down the components of a typical homeowners insurance policy in Florida, provide examples, and explain how it safeguards you against common risks.
Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)
What it covers:
Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home—such as the walls, roof, floors, and built-in appliances—from damage caused by covered events like fire, lightning, vandalism, or windstorms.
Example:
Imagine a powerful hurricane hits Florida, and high winds tear off part of your roof. Dwelling coverage would help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged roof and any internal water damage caused by the exposure. In Florida, where hurricanes are a common risk, this coverage is critical for protecting your home from storm-related damage.
Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)
What it covers:
This part of your policy covers structures on your property that aren’t attached to the main house, such as fences, detached garages, sheds, and pools.
Example:
A strong windstorm rips through your neighborhood, knocking down a fence that separates your property from your neighbor’s. If the fence was damaged during a covered event, your other structures coverage would help pay for repairs or replacement, ensuring that your property remains secure.
Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C)
What it covers:
Personal property coverage helps replace your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables, if they’re stolen, damaged, or destroyed in a covered event.
Example:
A break-in occurs while you’re away on vacation, and thieves steal several valuable electronics, including a laptop and flat-screen TV. Personal property coverage would help you recover the cost of these items, so you can replace them and move forward without having to bear the financial burden of the theft.
Loss of Use Coverage (Coverage D)
What it covers:
If your home is rendered uninhabitable due to a covered loss, loss of use coverage helps pay for additional living expenses, such as hotel stays, meals, and transportation, while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
Example:
A fire breaks out in your kitchen, and the damage makes your home unlivable for several months. With loss of use coverage, the insurance would pay for your temporary living arrangements—such as staying in a hotel—while your home is being repaired. It could also help with meals and transportation during this period.
Liability Protection (Coverage E)
What it covers:
Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property and sues you for damages. It can also cover damage to someone else’s property caused by you or your family members.
Example:
A guest at your home slips on a wet floor in your kitchen and breaks their ankle. They decide to sue you for medical expenses and lost wages. Liability coverage would cover the costs of the lawsuit, including legal fees and any settlements, up to the policy limits.
Medical Payments Coverage (Coverage F)
What it covers:
This coverage pays for medical expenses if someone is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. It’s intended for minor injuries that may not require a lawsuit.
Example:
A neighbor’s child visits your home and trips over a toy left on the floor, sustaining a minor cut. Medical payments coverage would help pay for the child’s doctor visit and any medical treatment required, preventing you from having to cover those costs out-of-pocket.
Hurricane Coverage (Add-On or Endorsement)
What it covers:
In Florida, where hurricanes are a significant threat, a standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes coverage for wind damage, including damage from hurricanes. However, the hurricane deductible may be higher than your standard deductible, and coverage may differ depending on the insurer.
Example:
A Category 4 hurricane makes landfall near your area, causing widespread damage to homes. Your home sustains roof and window damage. If you have hurricane coverage, it would help pay for repairs, but be aware that the deductible for hurricane damage may be a percentage of your home’s insured value. For instance, if your home is insured for $300,000 and the deductible is 5%, you would be responsible for paying $15,000 before insurance kicks in.
What’s Not Covered Under a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy in Florida?
Conclusion
A standard homeowners insurance policy in Florida provides essential protection for your home, personal property, and liability risks. From hurricane damage to theft and accidents, the right coverage can help you recover from unexpected events. However, because Florida has unique risks like flooding and hurricanes, it’s important to carefully review your policy and consider adding extra coverage where needed.
At Bridges Insurance Agency, we’re a local, independent Florida insurance agency that helps homeowners find the best homeowners insurance coverage for their unique needs. Whether you’re buying your first home or reviewing an existing policy, we’ll help you compare options and make sure your home is properly protected. Contact us today to ensure that your home is properly protected against the risks that come with living in our beautiful Sunshine State.
Bridges Insurance Agency – Protecting you today; ensuring your tomorrow.