Florida Home Insurance for Coastal Properties: What’s Different and Why It Matters

Living along Florida’s coastline can offer stunning views and an enjoyable lifestyle, but it also brings distinct insurance challenges. At The Chrispin Agency, we understand that coastal homeowners face risks that often require customized coverage. If you own a home near the water, it’s important to know how your insurance needs differ from those further inland.

Understanding the Risks of Coastal Living

Florida’s coastal regions are especially vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding and wind damage. Standard homeowners insurance policies may not fully address these risks, leaving gaps in coverage that could be costly after a major event. That’s why sufficient home insurance for coastal properties should be crafted with these unique exposures in mind.

Key Coverage Considerations for Coastal Properties

Homeowners along Florida’s coastline should be mindful of the following aspects of their insurance needs:

• Hurricane coverage—Many standard policies include hurricane deductibles, which are often higher than regular deductibles and calculated as a percentage of a home’s total rebuild cost. It’s crucial to understand how these apply and what your policy covers if a hurricane strikes.
• Flood insurance—Flooding is not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. For coastal properties, a separate flood insurance policy acquired through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer is essential.
• Windstorm coverage—Some coastal homeowners may be in particular need of windstorm coverage. In Florida, carriers are required to include this coverage in home insurance policies, although policyholders have the choice to opt out of it.

We’re Here to Help

Having the right insurance for your coastal property is critical for protecting your property and financial interests. Our team at The Chrispin Agency works closely with Florida homeowners to identify coverage gaps, explain policy details and find solutions tailored to your location and needs.

Contact us to discuss your coastal home insurance needs.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.