Homeowners insurance helps to cover common problems that arise when you have a house. Though most homeowners policies are fairly similar, both the hazards threatening your home and the laws governing your insurance policy vary, depending on where the home is. It is important to know exactly your Florida homeowners insurance should cover.

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Essentially, homeowners insurance is a particular type of property insurance that helps cover loss and damage to a person’s home (interior or exterior) and their belongings inside that home. Homeowners insurance also usually includes some level of liability coverage for accidents that happen on the property.

Some of the most common insurance claims made on homeowners insurance policies are for water leaks. These can stem from issues with air conditioners, water heaters, or plumbing. A small leak can lead to major water damage later, especially if it’s not caught and stopped right away.

Other common homeowners insurance claims in Florida are for roof damage from wind, a major issue in the state well known for natural disasters like hurricanes.

Homeowners insurance is required before a bank will issue someone a mortgage, though they may get their insurance through a company other than the lending bank. Typically, payments toward a Florida homeowners insurance policy are made monthly.

What Are Extra Concerns for Florida Homeowners Insurance?

Florida deals with a higher rate of tropical storms and hurricane force winds than many other states have to worry about, so it is essential when choosing your homeowners insurance to know what exactly it covers.

There is typically some level of wind or windstorm insurance included in Florida homeowners insurance.

What is Not Included in Homeowners Insurance?

Typically, homeowners insurance does not include damage caused by certain kinds of natural disasters, known in the insurance business as “acts of God,” and Florida homeowners insurance is no different. Flood coverage is a major factor that is left out of homeowners insurance policies. Homeowners usually have to get a separate flood insurance policy through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

Technically, everywhere in the United States is classified as a flood zone. However, they can vary drastically in how severe the risk is: low, moderate, or high-risk zones. Some locations at high risk for flooding are referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), and in these areas, flood insurance is required. Most of Florida’s barrier islands are classified as SFHAs, along with the areas near the coast and other bodies of water that increase the flood risk.

Can I File a Florida Homeowners Insurance Claim?

If your home has been damaged due to wind, flooding, or other reasons, you may be able to file an insurance claim and seek compensation. Regardless of whether you’ve already begun the insurance claim progress, if your insurance company offered a lower settlement amount than you expected, or even if your claim has been denied, you may be able to seek further compensation for the damage. Insurance companies can try to unjustly deny your claims or give you the lowest settlement amounts possible, but you should be able to receive the full compensation your policy entitles you to.

Dealing with insurance claims can be a daunting task, especially when your insurance provider doesn’t want to cooperate with you, but Top Class Actions can connect you with an experienced attorney who can help. Consulting an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the insurance claim process and maximize your potential compensation.

Florida Property Damage Insurance Claim Help

If you live in Florida and your home or business was damaged, enlisting the help of an experienced property damage attorney may make a difference in the outcome of your claim. 

Learn more by filling out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by a Florida property damage lawyer. 

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