Florida Homeowners Insurance
Florida Home Insurance
Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, many major insurance carriers have stopped writing home insurance in Florida. Most of the national companies you see on TV no longer offer coverage here. Even the carriers that remain often limit the areas where they will provide policies, and some exclude wind and hurricane coverage entirely. Many Floridians have also experienced policy cancellations due to “Reduction of Exposure” in their zip codes.
Finding affordable home insurance in Florida can be challenging, but Cronin Insurance is here to help. In this guide, we’ll explain the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of home insurance in Florida so you can make an informed decision and get the protection you need.
Who Needs Home Insurance?
You need home insurance if you:
- Own the house you live in
- Own a condominium you live in or rent to others
- Own a rental property you lease to tenants
- Rent a house, condo, or apartment
When Should You Buy Home Insurance?
The best time to buy home insurance is before you move in. It may seem obvious, but many people delay this extra expense while covering moving costs. Waiting can cost you:
- Limited options: Many companies will not write a policy if there is a lapse in coverage, which reduces competition and may increase your premiums.
- Higher costs: Companies that allow coverage gaps often add a 10% surcharge to your policy because of the lapse.
Starting coverage early ensures your home and belongings are protected from day one and can save you money in the long run.
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Why Florida Homeowners Need Insurance
Mortgage lenders almost always require it
Florida’s weather — especially wind, water, and mold
Rising construction and repair costs
Protects your financial future and peace of mind
Whether you live in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Parkland, or Palm Beach County, your Florida location significantly affects your risk profile and insurance needs.
Home Insurance Coverages Explained
Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, and built-in fixtures. If your home is damaged by fire, windstorm, or other covered events, this coverage helps pay for repairs or rebuilding.
Other Structures
Other structures coverage protects detached structures on your property, such as sheds, garages, fences, or gazebos. These structures are insured separately from the main dwelling to ensure your entire property is covered.
Personal Property
Personal property coverage protects your belongings inside your home, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. If your items are damaged, stolen, or destroyed by a covered event, this coverage helps repair or replace them.
Loss of Use
Loss of use coverage helps pay for temporary housing and living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. This ensures you and your family can maintain your lifestyle while repairs are underway.
Personal Liability
Personal liability coverage protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged while on your property. It helps cover legal fees, medical bills, and damages you may be responsible for, giving you financial protection in case of accidents.
Medical Payments
Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault. This coverage provides quick, small-scale financial support for minor injuries and can prevent legal claims from escalating.
Florida‑Specific Home Insurance Considerations
Hurricane Deductibles
In many Florida policies, hurricane deductibles are calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount. Common deductibles include: $500, $1000, 2%, 5%, and 10%.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Homeowners should insure based on the cost to rebuild, not the market value of the property. Replacement cost estimates depend on materials, home size, and local construction rates.
How Much Home Insurance Do You Need?
It’s not one‑size‑fits‑all. Factors include:
- Size and age of the home
- Construction type and materials
- Proximity to the coast
- Claims history
- The cost of rebuilding (replacement cost)
Your policy limits should ideally reflect what it would actually cost to repair or rebuild your home after a loss.
Tips to Lower Your Home Insurance Premium
Here are ways homeowners can potentially lower premiums:
✔ Raise your deductibles
✔ Improve roof and home safety features
✔ Bundle home and auto insurance
✔ Ask about discounts like wind mitigation or alarm systems
✔ Have your agent shop multiple carriers annually
Cronin agents help you explore these options to find the best balance of coverage and cost.
Why Choose Cronin Insurance
At Cronin Insurance, we help Florida homeowners:
- Compare multiple top‑rated carriers
- Customize coverage for your unique risks
- Navigate hurricane, mold, and liability concerns
- Maintain ongoing service through renewals and claims
We’ve served Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Parkland, and surrounding communities for more than 30 years.
👉 Get a FREE Home Insurance Quote — No Obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need flood insurance in Florida?
No — standard home insurance doesn’t include flood coverage. Flood insurance must be purchased separately through NFIP or private markets.
How does the hurricane deductible work?
In Florida, a hurricane deductible is often a percentage of the home’s insured value — for example, 2%, 5%, or 10%.
Can I switch home insurance companies anytime?
Yes! We recommend securing a new policy before canceling your old one to avoid gaps in coverage.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Great coverage doesn’t have to be confusing.
👉 Request your free quote now — our licensed agents are here to help you understand your options, compare prices, and choose the coverage that fits your Florida lifestyle.
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Cronin Insurance Agency has been serving the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and surrounding area since 1993
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