Insuring Your Home

By: Florida Department of Financial Services

Insurance coverage is an integral part of a solid financial foundation. Insurance can help us recover financially after illness, accidents, natural disasters or even the death of a loved one. But with the wide variety of insurance products available, choosing the correct type and amount of coverage can be a challenge. The policies and laws that regulate financial matters often change, so it is essential to be aware of new developments.

Legislators Roll Back Citizen Premiums, Insure Vacation Properties

Florida Real Estate Headlines
From the Florida Associateion of Realtors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Jan. 23, 2007 – Charged with the daunting task of reducing homeowners’ insurance premiums for millions of Florida property owners, the Florida Legis­lature last night passed a 167-page bill that could lower premiums between 5% and 40% and provide other insurance relief to millions of property owners. Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to sign the legislation today.

“Florida’s 160,000 Realtors® congratulate the governor for his commitment to reducing prop­erty insurance costs, and to the Legislature for acting in a truly non-partisan manner to provide relief to those who call Florida home,” says Nancy Riley, 2007 president of the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR). “This is a good first step in re-energizing the housing sector of our economy so buyers can take advantage of very attractive interest rates. But there’s more work to be done in order to create a vibrant and competitive insurance market.”

A Homeowner Can Save 20% – 70% on their Annual Homeowners Insurance

For a resident currently paying an annual premium of $7,500, the savings can range from $1,500 - $5,250 each and every year.

There are two steps you need to take that are simple and relatively effortless.

1. Mitigation Inspection

• Why do I have to have an inspection?
• What does an inspection cost and what is the guarantee?
• What is the potential savings?
• Who should I contact to obtain an inspection?
• What are the facts on the free inspection program from the state program?

2. Rate Comparison

• What is the potential savings?
• How do the different insurance companies prices compare?
• How is an independent insurance agent different than an insurance company?

A Homeowner Can Save 20% – 70% on their Annual Homeowners Insurance

For a resident currently paying an annual premium of $7,500, the savings can range from $1,500 - $5,250 each and every year.

There are two steps you need to take that are simple and relatively effortless.

1. Mitigation Inspection

• Why do I have to have an inspection?
• What does an inspection cost and what is the guarantee?
• What is the potential savings?
• Who should I contact to obtain an inspection?
• What are the facts on the free inspection program from the state program?

2. Rate Comparison

• What is the potential savings?
• How do the different insurance companies prices compare?
• How is an independent insurance agent different than an insurance company?

Homeowners Insurance - Rate Comparison

Shopandcompare.com
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has created a website that compares homeowners insurance rates.

The comparison is based on a Palm Beach county, 5-year old, Florida concrete block home, with a current replacement value of $150,000, a $500 non-hurricane deductable and a 2% hurricane deductible, and NO WIND mitigation discounts.

Their note: “This is being provided for comparison purposes only to demonstrate the importance of shipping for insurance quotes.�

They compare 26 companies with a wide range of prices. Find out how companies like State Farm, Universal Property, Citizens Property, Allstate, Edison Insurance, Coral Insurance, and Security First Insurance ranked.

Florida Wind Insurance Savings Calculator!

This online tool provides homeowners and builders with a general indication of the types of wind insurance savings available from Florida insurance companies for building features that reduce damage during high wind events like hurricanes. This online tool will let you know if a construction feature is worth a 2% or 20% discount.

Click here to visit website and use calculator

Independent Insurance Agent vs. Captive Agent

Captive agents (those who work for the insurance company) provide you guidance and products related to a single companies product.

Independent insurance agents represent multiple companies and can compare pricing and services that best meet your requirements.

You will notice from the price comparison that the lower priced rates were from companies that are typically represented by independent agents.

Homeowners Insurance - Rate Comparison

Shopandcompare.com
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has created a website that compares homeowners insurance rates.

The comparison is based on a Palm Beach county, 5-year old, Florida concrete block home, with a current replacement value of $150,000, a $500 non-hurricane deductable and a 2% hurricane deductible, and NO WIND mitigation discounts.

Their note: “This is being provided for comparison purposes only to demonstrate the importance of shipping for insurance quotes.�

They compare 26 companies with a wide range of prices. Find out how companies like State Farm, Universal Property, Citizens Property, Allstate, Edison Insurance, Coral Insurance, and Security First Insurance ranked.

Florida Wind Insurance Savings Calculator!

This online tool provides homeowners and builders with a general indication of the types of wind insurance savings available from Florida insurance companies for building features that reduce damage during high wind events like hurricanes. This online tool will let you know if a construction feature is worth a 2% or 20% discount.

Click here to visit website and use calculator

Independent Insurance Agent vs. Captive Agent

Captive agents (those who work for the insurance company) provide you guidance and products related to a single companies product.

Independent insurance agents represent multiple companies and can compare pricing and services that best meet your requirements.

You will notice from the price comparison that the lower priced rates were from companies that are typically represented by independent agents.