Florida has a long coastline and a year-round hurricane season, making homeowners insurance one of the most important investments you can make. Whether you're new to the state or have been living here for years, it's essential to understand how to protect your home and your family with an effective homeowners insurance policy.
Florida home insurance costs an average of $1981 annually for $250,000 of dwelling coverage. This is 39 percent higher than national average $1428. The best way to compare costs and find affordable policies that will protect you home and your belongings is by getting quotes.
Choosing a Florida home insurance company that offers great customer service and coverage is key to finding the right policy for your needs. Companies with good scores from J.D. Power tend to be more financially stable and provide excellent customer service, which can save you money in the long run.
Check for discounts
Florida home insurance companies provide discounts that can reduce your premiums. There are discounts for new customers, homeowners, and those who install hurricane protection devices in their homes.
You can improve your credit rating
Your credit score has a significant impact on your rate, so improving it is an easy way to lower your premiums. You can raise your credit score by paying your bills on time and avoiding high balances on your credit cards.
Consider bundling your policies
Some Florida home insurance companies will offer a discount for insuring your auto and home with them, which can be a huge savings over the course of a year. You can also save on the windstorm part of your policy by bundling.
Add protection devices to your home
Insurance rates can be reduced by adding a smoke alarm, deadbolt or burglar alarm. These devices reduce the likelihood of fire and theft. It's especially important if you live in a high-risk area where a burglary is a common occurrence.
Fortify your home against storms
Having your home inspected by a wind mitigation inspector can help you assess the condition of your roof and siding. A qualified professional can offer advice on how you can lower your homeowners insurance rates by strengthening the wind defenses of your house.
Get a free quote!
Liberty Mutual is a top-rated national insurer with more than 100 years of experience and an A+ rating from AM Best. This is one of our top picks for Florida home insurance because of its excellent customer service and wide range of coverage options. It also offers a variety of discounts to help you save money.
Keep in mind that not all Florida home insurance companies will offer all of these discounts and it's important to check with each company to ensure you're receiving the maximum benefit from them.
While the average homeowners insurance cost in Florida is not bad, it's still higher than the national average and should be taken seriously. The cheapest Florida home insurance is found at Tower Hill, while Citizens has the highest rates for homeowners with dangerous dog breeds.