Do I need wind insurance in Florida?

Asked by: Sydnie Herman  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)

Wind insurance isn't mandatory in Florida, but your mortgage lender may require it. Regardless of whether it is required for you, windstorm insurance is a good consideration for Florida homeowners, given that the state regularly experiences strong winds, hurricanes and other storms.

Is wind insurance necessary in Florida?

Do I need windstorm insurance? Windstorm insurance covers property damage and dwelling by strong winds, rain, hail, dust and other substances caused by windstorms. Although Florida's law does not require homeowners to obtain windstorm insurance, most mortgage lenders do.

Are you required to have hurricane insurance in Florida?

Despite the high risk, Florida doesn't specifically require hurricane insurance. That's because hurricane insurance isn't a separate policy you can purchase. It's included in a standard property insurance policy.

Is wind insurance the same as hurricane insurance?

There's technically no single policy known as “hurricane insurance.” Instead, you'll need to insure your home against the two main sources of hurricane damage: water and wind. You may need to buy these separate policies to ensure adequate hurricane coverage: Flood insurance.

What states require wind insurance?

Currently, 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., mandate windstorm and hurricane deductibles: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Florida Wind Insurance Tips (Top 3)

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What is hurricane deductible in Florida?

Florida Hurricane Deductibles

The hurricane deductible applies only once during a hurricane season. All insurers must offer a hurricane deductible of $500, 2 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent of the policy dwelling or structure limits. The percentages are based on the total value of the home.

What is a good hurricane deductible in Florida?

All insurance companies must offer Hurricane Deductible options of $500, 2 percent, 5 percent, or 10 percent of the policy dwelling or structure limits, unless the specific percentage deductible is less than $500.

Do I need wind hail insurance?

Is Wind or Hail Insurance Required? State and federal laws do not require you to have wind or hail insurance. Mortgage companies may require you to carry it if your homeowners insurance coverage excludes it, though.

How much is hurricane insurance in Florida per month?

Homeowners insurance: Many home insurance policies include hurricane coverage as standard (18)… The average cost for home insurance in Florida is $1,405 per year or $118 per month. bundling discounts; FAQs; Hurricane, flood and disaster insurance (19)

What does a wind only policy cover?

Wind Only Coverage

This policy covers damage from hail and wind storms, regardless of whether the damage came from a named storm or everyday storm. There are no other perils covered with this type of policy.

How much extra is hurricane insurance in Florida?

Therefore, on average, Florida homeowners pay approximately $2,674 per year in premiums to protect against hurricane damage. In addition, all Florida homeowners are subject to a special deductible for hurricane damage.

How do I know if I need hurricane insurance?

Homeowners should assess insurance needs long before a hurricane makes landfall. Most insurers won't issue policies when a storm is imminent. The cost of hurricane insurance depends on a number of factors including where you live, what your house is worth, and how high a deductible you're willing to pay.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricanes in Florida?

Most homeowners' insurance policies in Florida cover damage caused by windstorms, hurricanes, and hail, unless you sign to specifically waive the coverage. ... If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your homeowners insurance likely includes a hurricane deductible.

Do you need hurricane insurance in Florida condo?

Condo insurance isn't required in Florida, but your condo association may still require you to purchase coverage. ... A condo insurance policy in Florida may cost as little as $20 to $50 per month, depending on your condo's location, structure and the amount of coverage you purchase.

Is wind insurance required for mortgage?

If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, windstorms, and other natural disasters, the mortgage lender can require that you carry windstorm coverage.

How can I lower my homeowners insurance in Florida?

12 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Raise your deductible. ...
  3. Don't confuse what you paid for your house with rebuilding costs. ...
  4. Buy your home and auto policies from the same insurer. ...
  5. Make your home more disaster resistant. ...
  6. Improve your home security. ...
  7. Seek out other discounts.

Are hurricanes covered by homeowners insurance?

There is no such thing as “hurricane insurance” or “hurricane coverage,” but there is insurance to cover damage associated with hurricanes. Wind damage and flooding are the two major dangers. Some home insurers in coastal regions exclude windstorm damage, so windstorm insurance will need to be purchased separately.

Who provides hurricane insurance in Florida?

They would have to obtain separate coverage. Wind-pool areas include beachfront and coastal properties that are located within 1,500 feet of a major body of water. Citizens Insurance, Florida's insurer of last resort, is usually the only company that provides windstorm insurance coverage in these regions.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from hurricane?

Private homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. That exclusion also pertains to flooding brought on by or as a result of a hurricane. You may be able to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program to help cover such damage.

Is windstorm insurance expensive?

Although windstorm insurance can be expensive, it's still significantly cheaper than paying to repair storm damages yourself. For instance, if your home insurance policy's wind coverage limit was $100,000 and a hurricane caused $300,000 worth of damage, you would have to pay the remaining $200,000 out of pocket.

Does insurance cover wind damage?

Yes, as noted above, homeowners insurance typically covers most types of wind damage. Usually, the dwelling coverage of your homeowners policy will help pay to repair or replace damage to the roof, siding or windows due to a wind event.

Does Allstate cover wind damage?

Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage. Coverage also usually includes damage from hail, wind-driven rain or snow that gets inside the home when a roof or wall is damaged due to wind.

What is a Tier 1 wind zone?

Tier 1 High Hazard Zones:

These are areas where tree mortality directly coincides with critical infras- tructure. They represent direct threats.

How much dwelling coverage should I have?

Ideally, your dwelling coverage should equal your home's replacement cost. This should be based on rebuilding costs—not your home's price. The cost of rebuilding could be higher or lower than its price depending on location, the condition of your home, and other factors.

How much should my hurricane deductible be?

The typical hurricane deductible is between 1% and 5% of the home's insured value, although policies in some vulnerable coastal areas could have an even higher deductible.