Florida Homeowners Insurance: Understanding Coverages
Florida homeowners insurance can be confusing, especially with hurricanes, windstorms, flooding and other risks that are unique to our state. Understanding Coverage A, B, C, D, E and F is a good place to start.
Coverage A – Dwelling
Coverage A generally covers the main structure of your home for covered losses. This can include the walls, roof, plumbing, electrical systems and permanently installed features.
Your Coverage A limit should generally reflect the estimated cost to rebuild your home—not necessarily its market value or purchase price.
Florida homeowners should also understand their hurricane deductible and how wind damage is covered.
Coverage B – Other Structures
Coverage B generally applies to structures on your property that are separate from your home.
Examples include:
Detached garages
Sheds
Fences
Gazebos
Certain pool structures
If you've added a detached structure to your property, make sure your insurance agent knows about it.
Coverage C – Personal Property
Coverage C covers many of the belongings inside your home, including furniture, clothing, electronics and other personal property, subject to the policy.
Expensive items such as jewelry, artwork, collectibles and certain other valuables may have special limits. Additional or scheduled coverage may be available for valuable items.
Coverage D – Loss of Use
Coverage D can help with additional living expenses when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.
For example, if a covered hurricane or fire makes your home unsafe to live in, Coverage D may help with eligible expenses such as temporary housing while repairs are being completed.
Coverage E – Personal Liability
Coverage E provides personal liability protection when you are legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to another person.
For example, it may apply if a guest is injured on your property and you are legally responsible.
Coverage F – Medical Payments to Others
Coverage F can help pay certain medical expenses for someone who is injured on your property, subject to the policy's terms and limits.
This coverage is different from your personal liability coverage and can apply to certain injuries without requiring the same type of liability determination.
Important Florida Coverages
Florida homeowners should also understand hurricane deductibles, windstorm coverage, roof coverage and flood insurance.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that homeowners insurance automatically covers flooding. In most cases, flood insurance is separate from a standard homeowners policy.
Review Your Florida Homeowners Insurance
When comparing policies, don't look only at the premium. Review your Coverage A–F limits, deductibles, wind and hurricane coverage, roof coverage, flood insurance and other endorsements.
Safeguard Insurance helps homeowners in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fort Pierce and throughout the Treasure Coast understand their Florida homeowners insurance options.