Florida homeowners pay more for property insurance than almost anyone else in the U.S. The truth is that paying your premium is only step one. Getting what you paid for requires preparation, clear documentation and informed decisions.
This guide explains how to make your policy perform when you need it—before, during, and after a claim. You’ll learn the coverage basics that matter in Florida, step-by-step claims steps, and how hurricane deductibles and depreciation affect payouts.
The Florida Insurance Landscape
- Hurricane exposure: Named storms create large loss events; roof and water claims face heavy scrutiny.
- Market instability: Carriers have exited or tightened underwriting; options and pricing can shift quickly.
- Litigation and past fraud: Insurers investigate aggressively; documentation quality strongly influences outcomes.
- Special deductibles: Percentage-based hurricane deductibles (often 2–5% of Coverage A) can surprise homeowners.
Step 1: Understand Your Policy Before You Need It
Start with your declarations page, then review endorsements and exclusions. Clarify the following with your agent:
- Coverages: Dwelling (A), Other Structures (B), Personal Property (C), Loss of Use (D), Personal Liability (E), Medical Payments (F).
- Loss settlement: Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV). Many policies pay ACV first and release depreciation after you complete repairs.
- Deductibles: Standard “all other perils” vs. hurricane deductible (a percentage of Coverage A).
- Exclusions: Flood, earth movement, wear and tear, long-term seepage, mold limits, and certain roof age/condition clauses.
- Special limits: Jewelry, firearms, electronics, collectibles. Schedule high-value items if needed.
Tip: Ask for a plain-language coverage summary and keep a PDF copy in cloud storage.
Step 2: Build Proof—Document Your Home and Belongings
Evidence is the currency of claims. Create a home inventory now:
- Photograph every room, closet, attic, and garage; capture serial/model numbers.
- Save receipts, warranties, appraisal reports, and contractor invoices.
- Back up to cloud storage and update annually or after renovations.
For the structure, keep permits, inspection reports, roof age and materials, and mitigation features (impact windows, shutters, clips/straps). These documents speed up underwriting and help justify replacement costs.
Step 3: Act Quickly After Damage
Florida claims are deadline-driven. To protect your payout:
- Report promptly: Ideally within 24–48 hours of discovering loss.
- Mitigate further damage: Tarp the roof, board openings, shut off water, move items from wet areas. Save all receipts.
- Create a loss timeline: When it happened, when reported, whom you spoke with, and your mitigation steps.
Step 4: Control the Field Inspection
The insurer will assign an adjuster. Prepare to guide the inspection:
- Be present and walk the property with the adjuster.
- Provide your photos, videos, inventory, and contractor estimates.
- Point out hidden or secondary damage (attic sheathing, underlayment, wall cavities, subfloors).
- Request a written estimate/scope and keep all communications in writing.
Step 5: Learn the Math—Deductibles, Depreciation, and Caps
- Hurricane deductible: Applied per named storm; it’s a percentage of Coverage A (e.g., 2–5%), not a flat amount.
- ACV vs. RCV: Initial payment may be ACV; recoverable depreciation is released after proof of completed repairs (subject to policy conditions).
- Coverage caps & sublimits: Certain categories (mold, ordinance or law, code upgrades) may have low limits unless you’ve purchased higher endorsements.
Step 6: Common Florida Claim Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Roof disputes: Insurers may attribute damage to wear and tear. Support your claim with storm data, photos, and contractor/engineer opinions.
- Water losses: Sudden/accidental discharge is usually covered; slow leaks and long-term seepage are often excluded. Date your discovery and act fast.
- Missed deadlines: Florida imposes strict filing windows; log dates and set reminders.
- Documentation gaps: Missing receipts or vague photos slow payments. Over-document.
Step 7: Prepare Now—So the Next Claim Pays Smoothly
- Review your policy at least annually; confirm deductibles, caps, and exclusions.
- Invest in mitigation (impact glass, shutters, water leak sensors); some upgrades may lower premiums.
- Maintain your home inventory and keep all key documents in cloud storage.
- Vet and pre-select contractors and public adjusters—before storm season.
Quick Checklist: Turning Premiums into Payouts
- Know your coverage, exclusions, and deductibles.
- Document your property and contents thoroughly.
- Report promptly; mitigate immediately; save receipts.
- Attend inspections; share evidence; request written estimates.
- Compare bids; negotiate; file supplements as needed.
FAQs
1) Why do Florida homeowners pay so much for insurance?
Hurricane risk, market volatility, and high historical litigation drive premiums. Carriers price for large catastrophic events and heightened claim scrutiny.
2) How do I know what my policy actually covers?
Review your declarations page, endorsements, and exclusions. Confirm ACV vs. RCV, special limits, and hurricane deductibles. Ask your agent for a plain-language summary.
3) What are Florida’s deadlines for filing a claim?
Report promptly after discovering loss. Florida law sets strict windows for initial and supplemental claims; missing them can limit recovery. When in doubt, file and document.
4) How do hurricane deductibles work?
They’re percentage-based (e.g., 2–5% of Coverage A) and apply per named storm, separate from your standard deductible.
5) Why was my roof claim denied?
Carriers may attribute damage to wear and tear or prior condition.
6) Can I hire my own adjuster?
Yes. Licensed Florida public adjusters represent policyholders for a contingency fee and can help build scope, negotiate, and document depreciation recovery.
7) Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No. Standard policies exclude flood. Purchase separate NFIP or private flood coverage for storm surge and rising water.
GreatFlorida Insurance agents are knowledgeable and ready to help you understand how home insurance can work best for you.
