Insurance simplified
Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe, and it's worth finding out. Because we compare pricing and coverage across multiple carriers, we can usually tell you within one conversation whether your current rate reflects your actual risk, or just whatever your current provider decided to charge.
Usually the opposite. We shop multiple carriers on your behalf, which means we're often able to find better coverage for the same price, or the same coverage for less.
For most clients, yes. We handle the comparison, the paperwork, and the transition from your old policy, so the "hassle" is mostly ours, not yours.
This is one of the most common things we uncover during a policy review. Coverage that made sense five years ago often hasn't kept pace with a growing family, a renovated home, or a growing business. A quick review is usually all it takes to find out.
Yes. Home, auto, flood, business, life, umbrella, and recreational coverage can all live under one roof, with one team who actually knows your history, instead of juggling separate policies with separate companies.
You call us, not a call center. We help you understand the process, advocate on your behalf, and stay involved until it's resolved. You're not navigating it alone.
Glossary of Common Insurance Terms
A
|
The value of your property at the time of a covered loss after depreciation has been deducted. If your property is damaged or stolen, an Actual Cash Value policy pays what the item is worth today rather than what it costs to replace it. |
|
An Additional Insured is a person or organization added to an insurance policy who receives certain liability protections under that policy. This is commonly requested by landlords, contractors, and business partners. |
|
Agency Bill refers to a billing method where insurance premiums are collected directly by the insurance agency instead of the insurance carrier. The agency then forwards the payment to the insurance company. |
|
Agreed Value is a coverage option where you and the insurance company agree on the value of a vehicle or other insured property before a loss occurs. If the item is declared a total loss, the agreed-upon amount is paid, subject to the policy terms. |
|
An Appraisal is a professional assessment used to determine the value of property such as a home, vehicle, jewelry, or artwork. Insurance companies may require an appraisal when insuring high-value items or resolving claim disputes. |
|
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) helps pay for temporary housing, meals, and other extra living costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss while repairs are being made. |
|
An Adjuster, also called a Claims Adjuster, is a professional who investigates insurance claims, evaluates damage, and determines how much an insurance company will pay for a covered loss. |
|
An insurance agent is a licensed professional who helps individuals and businesses choose, purchase, and manage insurance policies that fit their needs. |
|
An Annual Premium is the total amount you pay for an insurance policy over one year. It may be paid in one lump sum or through monthly, quarterly, or semiannual installments. |
An At-Fault Accident is an accident in which you are determined to be legally responsible for causing damage or injuries. Being at fault may affect your insurance premium depending on your policy and state laws.
B
|
An Insurance Binder is a temporary document that provides proof of insurance coverage until the official policy is issued. Binders are commonly used during home purchases, vehicle purchases, or business transactions. |
|
Boat Insurance helps protect your boat, personal watercraft, and passengers from covered losses such as accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, and certain types of liability claims. Coverage options vary depending on the policy. |
|
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) combines several essential business insurance coverages into one convenient policy. It typically includes commercial property insurance, general liability insurance, and business interruption coverage for small to medium-sized businesses. |
|
Bodily Injury Liability is coverage that helps pay for another person's medical expenses, lost wages, legal costs, and other damages if you are legally responsible for causing injuries in an accident. |
|
Business Auto Insurance provides coverage for vehicles owned, leased, or used by a business. It can help pay for vehicle damage, liability claims, medical expenses, and other covered losses resulting from business-related driving. |
Business Personal Property refers to the equipment, furniture, computers, inventory, tools, and other movable items a business owns and uses to operate. This property may be covered under a commercial property or Business Owners Policy (BOP).
C
|
Cancellation occurs when an insurance policy ends before its scheduled expiration date. A policy may be canceled by the insurance company or the policyholder for reasons such as nonpayment, changes in eligibility, or at the insured's request. |
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that provides proof of insurance coverage. It summarizes key policy information, including coverage types, policy limits, and effective dates, and is commonly requested by landlords, contractors, and business partners.
A Claim Number is a unique reference number assigned by the insurance company to identify and track a specific insurance claim throughout the claims process.
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who caused the accident.
Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance helps protect businesses from claims involving bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury that occur during normal business operations.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance provides additional liability protection that extends beyond the limits of your underlying business insurance policies, such as general liability or commercial auto insurance.
Contents Coverage helps protect the personal belongings inside your home, condo, rental property, or business, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and other possessions, from covered losses.
Cyber Liability Insurance helps protect businesses from financial losses resulting from cyberattacks, data breaches, ransomware, and other cybersecurity incidents. Coverage may include legal expenses, customer notifications, data recovery, and business interruption.
|
An insurance Carrier is the insurance company that underwrites your policy, assumes the risk, and pays covered claims. Independent agencies work with multiple carriers to provide clients with more coverage options. |
An insurance Claim is a formal request submitted to your insurance company for payment or assistance after a covered loss, accident, or event.
A Claims Adjuster is an insurance professional who investigates claims, evaluates damage, reviews policy coverage, and determines the amount the insurance company will pay for a covered loss.
Commercial Auto Insurance provides coverage for vehicles owned, leased, or used by a business. It helps protect against accidents, property damage, liability claims, and other covered losses that occur while conducting business.
Commercial Property Insurance helps protect a business's building, equipment, furniture, inventory, and other physical assets against covered events such as fire, theft, vandalism, and certain weather-related damage.
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision, including theft, fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects, flooding, and animal collisions.
A Coverage Limit is the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay for a covered claim. Different types of coverage within a policy may have separate limits.
A Customer Service Representative (CSR) is a licensed insurance professional who assists clients after a policy is issued. CSRs help with policy changes, billing questions, certificates of insurance, renewals, claims assistance, and general customer support.
D
A Damage Assessment is the process of inspecting and evaluating damage after a covered loss to determine the extent of repairs and the amount that may be covered by insurance.
A Deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance company begins paying for a covered claim.
Disability Insurance provides income replacement if you become unable to work due to a covered illness or injury. Depending on the policy, benefits may be available for short-term or long-term disabilities.
A Dwelling Fire Policy is designed for rental properties, vacant homes, seasonal homes, or properties that are not owner-occupied. DP1 provides basic named-peril coverage, DP2 offers broader protection with additional covered perils, and DP3 provides the most comprehensive coverage, typically insuring the dwelling on an open-peril basis unless specifically excluded.
The Declarations Page, often called the "Dec Page," is the summary page of an insurance policy. It lists the policyholder, covered property, coverage limits, deductibles, policy period, and premium.
Depreciation is the reduction in the value of property over time due to age, wear and tear, or obsolescence. It is often used when calculating Actual Cash Value (ACV).
Dwelling Coverage is the portion of a homeowners or landlord insurance policy that helps pay to repair or rebuild the physical structure of your home if it is damaged by a covered loss.
E
The Effective Date is the day and time your insurance coverage officially begins. Claims that occur before the effective date are generally not covered.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance, also known as Professional Liability Insurance, helps protect professionals and businesses from claims alleging negligence, mistakes, or failure to provide promised services.
Excess Liability Insurance provides additional liability coverage once the limits of an underlying insurance policy have been exhausted. It offers extra financial protection for large liability claims.
An Endorsement, also known as a rider, is a written amendment that changes your insurance policy. Endorsements can add, remove, or modify coverage to better fit your specific needs.
An Exclusion is a specific event, situation, or type of damage that is not covered by an insurance policy. Understanding your policy's exclusions is important so you know what risks may require additional coverage.
F
A FEMA Flood Map is a map created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that identifies flood risk areas. These maps help determine flood insurance requirements and estimated flood risk for properties.
Flood Insurance protects your home, business, and belongings from damage caused by flooding. Because standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, a separate flood insurance policy is often needed.
A Four-Point Inspection is a home inspection commonly required for older homes in Florida. It evaluates the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC system to help insurance companies assess the property's condition before issuing or renewing coverage.
Fire Insurance provides financial protection if your home, business, or personal property is damaged by a covered fire. Fire coverage is often included in homeowners, renters, and commercial property insurance policies.
A Flood Zone is a geographic area designated by FEMA based on its level of flood risk. Your flood zone may affect whether flood insurance is required and how much your policy costs.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance is an informal term that typically refers to an auto insurance policy that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It does not mean every possible type of coverage is included.
G
Gap Insurance helps pay the difference between what you owe on your vehicle loan or lease and your vehicle's actual cash value if it is declared a total loss after a covered accident or theft.
A Grace Period is the additional amount of time allowed after your premium due date to make a payment before your policy may lapse or be canceled. The length of the grace period varies by insurance company and policy.
General Liability Insurance helps protect businesses from claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and certain legal expenses that arise from normal business operations.
Guaranteed Replacement Cost is a coverage option that helps pay the full cost to rebuild your home after a covered loss, even if rebuilding costs exceed your dwelling coverage limit, provided the policy's conditions are met.
H
A Hazard is any condition or situation that increases the likelihood of a loss or damage. Hazards can be physical, such as faulty wiring, or environmental, such as severe weather.
A Hurricane Deductible is a separate deductible that applies to covered damage caused by a named hurricane. Unlike a standard deductible, it is usually calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a fixed dollar amount.
An HO-3 Policy, also known as a Special Form Homeowners Policy, is the most common type of homeowners insurance in the United States. It provides open-peril coverage for your home's structure, meaning it covers all causes of loss unless they are specifically excluded in the policy. Personal belongings are typically covered on a named-perils basis, meaning only the risks listed in the policy are covered. HO-3 policies generally include dwelling coverage, personal property, liability protection, medical payments, and additional living expenses.
An HO-6 Policy, commonly known as Condominium Insurance, is designed for condo owners. It helps protect the interior of the unit, personal belongings, personal liability, and certain improvements or upgrades made to the condo. While the condominium association's master policy typically covers the building's exterior and common areas, an HO-6 policy helps fill the gaps by protecting what the owner is responsible for inside the unit.
Homeowners Insurance helps protect your home, personal belongings, and personal liability from covered losses such as fire, theft, windstorms, and certain other covered events. It may also provide additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to a covered claim.
Hurricane Insurance is not a separate insurance policy but a combination of coverages that help protect against hurricane-related damage. Depending on your policy, this may include homeowners insurance, windstorm coverage, and flood insurance, since flood damage from hurricanes is generally not covered under a standard homeowners policy.
An HO-5 Policy, also called a Comprehensive Form Homeowners Policy, offers broader protection than an HO-3 policy. Both the home's structure and personal belongings are typically covered on an open-peril basis, unless a loss is specifically excluded. HO-5 policies are often designed for newer or higher-value homes and may offer higher coverage limits and fewer restrictions on personal property claims.
An HO-8 Policy, also known as a Modified Coverage Form, is designed for older homes whose replacement cost may be significantly higher than their market value. It provides coverage for the home's structure and personal property against a limited list of named perils rather than open perils. HO-8 policies are commonly used for historic homes or older properties that may not qualify for a standard HO-3 policy due to their age or construction.
I
An Independent Insurance Agency represents multiple insurance companies rather than just one. This allows agents to compare coverage options and pricing from different carriers to help clients find the policy that best fits their needs and budget.
Insurable Interest means you have a financial or legal interest in the property or person being insured. In other words, you would experience a financial loss if the insured property were damaged or the insured person passed away.
An Insurance Score is a rating used by many insurance companies to help predict the likelihood of future claims. It is often based on factors such as credit history and is one of several factors that may affect your insurance premium.
An Insurance Binder is a temporary document that provides proof of insurance coverage before the official policy is issued. It is commonly required during home purchases, vehicle purchases, and business transactions.
Inland Marine Insurance provides coverage for valuable business property, equipment, tools, or inventory while it is being transported or stored away from your primary business location. Despite its name, it is not limited to water-related risks.
An Insurance Carrier is the insurance company that underwrites your policy, assumes the financial risk, and pays covered claims. Independent agencies often work with multiple carriers to provide more coverage options.
The Insured is the individual, family, or business protected by an insurance policy. The insured is entitled to the benefits and coverages outlined in the policy.
J
K
L
Landlord Insurance helps protect rental property owners from covered losses involving the dwelling, liability claims, and, in many cases, lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
Liability Coverage helps protect you financially if you are legally responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to another person. It may help pay for medical expenses, repairs, legal defense costs, and settlements up to your policy limits.
Loss Assessment Coverage helps pay your share of certain property losses or liability claims that are assessed by a homeowners association (HOA) or condominium association after a covered event.
Loss of Use coverage helps pay for additional living expenses, such as hotel stays, meals, and temporary housing, if your home becomes uninhabitable because of a covered loss. This coverage is also known as Additional Living Expenses (ALE).
Landlord Liability coverage helps protect rental property owners if they are found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage suffered by tenants or visitors on the rental property.
Life Insurance provides a financial benefit to your chosen beneficiaries if you pass away while the policy is in effect. The payout can help cover expenses such as funeral costs, mortgage payments, debts, income replacement, or future financial needs.
Loss History is a record of previous insurance claims made on a property or by a policyholder. Insurance companies may review this history when determining eligibility and premium rates.
Loss of Rental Income coverage helps reimburse landlords for lost rental income if a covered event makes a rental property uninhabitable while repairs are being completed.
M
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) helps pay for medical expenses for you or your passengers after a covered auto accident, regardless of who was at fault. In homeowners policies, MedPay may also help cover minor medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault.
A Multi-Policy Discount, often called a bundling discount, is a savings offered by many insurance companies when you purchase two or more insurance policies from the same carrier, such as combining your home and auto insurance.
Motorcycle Insurance helps protect motorcycle owners from financial loss caused by covered accidents, theft, vandalism, and liability claims. Coverage options may include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and accessory coverage.
N
The Named Insured is the individual or business specifically listed on an insurance policy. This person or entity has the primary rights and responsibilities under the policy, including the ability to make changes and file claims.
A Named Storm Deductible is a separate deductible that applies when damage is caused by a named tropical storm or hurricane. In many coastal states, including Florida, this deductible is often a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a fixed dollar amount.
Named Perils are specific risks or causes of loss that are listed in an insurance policy as being covered. If a loss is caused by something not listed as a named peril, it generally is not covered.
Non-Renewal occurs when an insurance company decides not to renew a policy at the end of its policy period. Unlike a cancellation, non-renewal takes effect when the current policy expires and is typically accompanied by advance notice.
O
An Occurrence is an accident or event that causes bodily injury or property damage during the policy period. Many liability insurance policies provide coverage based on when the occurrence happened, even if the claim is filed later.
An Out-of-Pocket Maximum is the most you'll pay for covered healthcare expenses during a policy year under a health insurance plan. Once this limit is reached, your health insurance typically pays 100% of covered services for the remainder of the policy period.
Ordinance or Law Coverage helps pay for the additional cost of repairing or rebuilding a structure to comply with current building codes after a covered loss. This coverage can be especially valuable for older homes and commercial buildings.
P
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of auto insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other costs after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP is required for most drivers in Florida.
Personal Property refers to the belongings you own, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and other possessions. Homeowners, renters, and condo insurance policies typically provide coverage for personal property against covered losses.
An insurance Policy is the legal contract between you and your insurance company. It outlines the coverages, exclusions, limits, deductibles, conditions, and responsibilities of both the policyholder and the insurer.
The Policy Period is the length of time an insurance policy remains in effect, beginning on the effective date and ending on the expiration date, provided premiums are paid as required.
Your Primary Residence is the home where you live most of the year and consider your main residence. Insurance companies often use this designation to determine eligibility, coverage options, and premium rates.
Property Damage Liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to another person's property, such as their vehicle, fence, building, or other structures, if you are legally responsible for the loss. This coverage is a required part of auto insurance in many states, including Florida.
Personal Liability coverage helps protect you financially if you are legally responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to someone else. It can help pay for legal defense costs, medical bills, settlements, and judgments up to your policy limits.
A Personal Umbrella Policy provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of your homeowners, auto, or other personal insurance policies. It helps protect your assets if you're responsible for a large liability claim or lawsuit.
A Policy Limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss or claim. Policies may include separate limits for different types of coverage.
A Premium is the amount you pay to maintain your insurance coverage. Depending on the policy, premiums may be paid monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually.
A Proof of Loss is a formal document submitted to your insurance company after a claim that details the amount and type of damage or loss you've experienced. Supporting documentation, such as receipts, estimates, or photographs, may also be required.
Q
An insurance Quote is an estimate of how much an insurance policy will cost based on information such as your property, vehicle, driving history, or business. A quote is not a guarantee of coverage or final pricing until the policy is issued.
R
Replacement Cost is the amount it would cost to repair or replace damaged property with new property of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.
In insurance, Risk refers to the likelihood that a loss, damage, or unexpected event will occur. Insurance companies evaluate risk when determining eligibility, coverage options, and premium rates.
Renters Insurance helps protect a tenant's personal belongings from covered losses such as fire, theft, or vandalism. It also includes personal liability coverage and may help pay additional living expenses if the rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Reinsurance is insurance purchased by insurance companies to help manage their financial risk. It allows carriers to share the cost of large or catastrophic claims with other insurance companies.
A Rider, also called an endorsement, is an optional addition to an insurance policy that changes or expands your coverage. Riders are commonly used to insure valuable items or add specialized protection.
Rental Property Insurance, also known as landlord insurance, helps protect property owners who rent out homes, condos, or other residential properties. It may include dwelling coverage, liability protection, and loss of rental income coverage.
An insurance Renewal is the continuation of your insurance policy for another policy period after its expiration date. Your insurance company may adjust your premium or coverage at renewal.
S
A Safe Driver Discount is a premium discount offered to drivers who maintain a clean driving record with no recent accidents, traffic violations, or major insurance claims.
Sinkhole Coverage helps protect your home against damage caused by sinkhole activity. In Florida, standard homeowners insurance may provide limited protection, but additional sinkhole coverage may be available depending on your policy and location.
SR-22 is not actually a type of insurance. It is a certificate filed by your insurance company with the state to prove you carry the required minimum auto insurance after certain driving violations, such as a DUI or driving without insurance.
Subrogation is the legal process that allows your insurance company to recover money from the person or insurance company responsible for causing your loss after your claim has been paid.
Scheduled Personal Property coverage provides additional protection for valuable belongings such as jewelry, artwork, firearms, collectibles, musical instruments, or fine watches that may exceed the limits of a standard homeowners policy.
A Special Perils Policy provides coverage for all causes of loss except those specifically excluded in the policy. This type of coverage offers broader protection than a named perils policy.
State Minimum Coverage refers to the minimum amount of auto insurance required by state law. Florida requires drivers to carry minimum levels of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), although higher coverage limits are often recommended.
A Surety Bond is a financial guarantee that ensures one party will fulfill a contractual or legal obligation. If the obligation is not met, the surety company may compensate the affected party and then seek reimbursement from the bonded individual or business.
T
Tenant Insurance is another name for renters insurance. It helps protect a tenant's personal belongings, provides personal liability coverage, and may pay additional living expenses if a covered loss makes the rental property temporarily uninhabitable.
A Total Loss occurs when the cost to repair damaged property equals or exceeds its value, or when the insurance company determines it is not economically practical to repair. In these cases, the insurance company typically pays the value of the covered property according to the policy terms.
Term Life Insurance provides life insurance coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured passes away during the policy term, the beneficiaries receive the death benefit.
Towing Coverage, also known as roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage, helps pay for towing and certain emergency roadside services if your vehicle becomes disabled due to a covered event.
U
Umbrella Insurance provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of your homeowners, auto, or other underlying insurance policies. It helps protect your assets from large lawsuits and liability claims.
An Underwriter is an insurance professional who evaluates risk and determines whether an insurance policy should be issued. Underwriters also help determine coverage terms, eligibility, and premium pricing.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage helps pay for your injuries and certain damages if you're involved in an accident caused by a driver who has no auto insurance. Although not required in Florida, UM coverage is strongly recommended because it can provide valuable financial protection.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage helps pay for your injuries and certain damages if you're involved in an accident with a driver whose insurance coverage is not sufficient to pay for your losses.
Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to evaluate risk before issuing a policy. During underwriting, factors such as your claims history, driving record, property information, or business operations are reviewed to determine coverage eligibility and pricing.
Unoccupied Home Insurance provides coverage for homes that are temporarily vacant but still contain personal property and are expected to be occupied again. Because unoccupied homes often present additional risks, they may require specialized insurance coverage.
V
Vacant Home Insurance provides coverage for homes that are completely empty and unoccupied for an extended period. Because vacant homes have a higher risk of theft, vandalism, and unnoticed damage, they often require specialized insurance rather than a standard homeowners policy.
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. Insurance companies use the VIN to identify the vehicle's make, model, year, specifications, ownership history, and other important details when providing coverage or processing claims.
A Valued Policy is an insurance policy that pays a predetermined amount if the insured property is declared a total loss from a covered event. The value is agreed upon when the policy is issued rather than being based on depreciation or replacement cost at the time of the loss.
W
Water Backup Coverage is an optional insurance endorsement that helps cover damage caused by water backing up through sewers, drains, or sump pumps. Because this type of damage is typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance, additional coverage is often recommended.
Windstorm Coverage helps protect your home or business from damage caused by high winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other wind-related events. Depending on where you live, windstorm coverage may be included in your homeowners policy or require a separate deductible or policy.
A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a specialized home inspection that evaluates features designed to reduce damage from high winds and hurricanes, such as roof shape, roof attachments, impact-resistant windows, and storm shutters. In Florida, qualifying homes may be eligible for insurance discounts based on the inspection results.
Workers' Compensation Insurance provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Coverage may include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other benefits required by state law, while also helping protect employers from certain workplace injury lawsuits.
X
An X-Date, short for Expiration Date, is the date an insurance policy ends unless it is renewed. Insurance professionals often use the term "X-Date" when discussing policy renewals or obtaining comparison quotes before coverage expires.
Y
A Yearly Premium is the total amount paid for an insurance policy over a 12-month period. Depending on the policy, the yearly premium can be paid in one annual payment or divided into monthly, quarterly, or semiannual installments.
Z
Zero Deductible means you are not required to pay any out-of-pocket costs before your insurance company begins paying for a covered claim. While zero deductible coverage can reduce your immediate expenses after a loss, it typically comes with a higher insurance premium. Not all insurance policies or coverage types offer a zero deductible option.
Still have questions?
Glossary of Florida-Specific Terms
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's state-backed property insurance provider. It was created to offer homeowners insurance to eligible property owners who cannot obtain comparable coverage through the private insurance market.
A Wind Mitigation Inspection evaluates features of a home that help reduce damage from high winds and hurricanes, such as roof construction, roof-to-wall connections, impact-resistant windows, and storm shutters. In Florida, qualifying homes may receive insurance discounts based on the inspection results.
A Roof Age Requirement refers to an insurance company's guidelines regarding the age and condition of a roof. In Florida, insurers may require inspections, repairs, or replacement of older roofs before offering or renewing homeowners insurance.
A Named Storm Deductible applies when damage is caused by a named tropical storm or hurricane. Unlike a standard deductible, it is typically calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount.
A FEMA Flood Map is an official map produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that identifies flood hazard areas throughout the United States. Insurance companies and mortgage lenders use these maps to determine flood risk and flood insurance requirements.
Ordinance or Law Coverage helps pay the additional cost of rebuilding or repairing a home to meet current building codes after a covered loss. This coverage can be especially valuable for older homes that may not meet today's construction standards.
Water Damage Coverage helps pay for sudden and accidental water damage caused by covered events, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance. However, standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage or long-term maintenance issues, making it important to understand your policy's exclusions.
Florida No-Fault Insurance is the state's auto insurance system requiring most drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Under this system, your own insurance helps pay for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
Homestead Property Insurance generally refers to homeowners insurance for a primary residence that qualifies for Florida's Homestead Exemption. While the exemption itself is a property tax benefit, homeowners insurance protects the home, personal belongings, and liability associated with the property.
Seasonal Home Insurance helps protect homes that are occupied only during certain times of the year, such as winter residences or vacation homes. Coverage is designed to address the unique risks associated with homes that may be unoccupied for several months.
Citizens Depopulation is the process of transferring eligible Citizens Property Insurance policies to private insurance companies. Florida encourages this program to reduce the number of policies insured by Citizens and strengthen the private insurance market. Homeowners are typically notified if their policy qualifies for transfer.
A Four-Point Inspection is commonly required for older homes in Florida. It evaluates the condition of the roof, electrical system, plumbing system, and HVAC system to help insurance companies determine a home's insurability.
A Florida Hurricane Deductible is a separate deductible that applies to covered hurricane damage. Instead of a fixed dollar amount, it is usually calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value and is triggered only when specific hurricane conditions defined by your policy are met.
A Flood Zone is a geographic area designated by FEMA based on its level of flood risk. Your flood zone may affect whether flood insurance is required by your lender and how much your flood insurance policy costs.
Coastal Property Insurance refers to homeowners insurance designed for homes located near the coast, where properties may face increased risks from hurricanes, windstorms, storm surge, and flooding. Coverage options and deductibles may differ from those available inland.
Sinkhole Coverage helps protect homeowners against damage caused by sinkhole activity. In Florida, standard homeowners insurance provides limited protection for catastrophic ground collapse, while broader sinkhole coverage may be available as an optional endorsement depending on your insurer and location.
An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a legal agreement that allows a contractor or repair company to receive insurance claim payments directly from your insurance company. Florida has enacted laws to regulate AOB agreements and help reduce insurance fraud and claim abuse.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required for most Florida drivers and helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other costs after an auto accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Vacant Home Coverage provides insurance for homes that are completely unoccupied for an extended period. Because vacant homes face a greater risk of vandalism, theft, and unnoticed damage, they often require specialized insurance coverage.
Secondary Home Insurance provides coverage for a second residence that is not your primary home. Whether used as a vacation home or occupied part-time, these policies help protect the property, personal belongings, and liability exposures associated with owning an additional home.