Florida has a large coastline and hurricane season all year long, so homeowners insurance is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you have just moved to Florida, or have been here for years and are new to the area, it's important to learn how to protect your family and home with an effective homeowners' insurance policy.
Florida home insurance policies average $1,981 for $250,000 in dwelling coverage. That's about 39 percent above the national average $1,428. The best way to compare costs and find affordable policies that will protect you home and your belongings is by getting quotes.
You can find the perfect policy by choosing an insurance company in Florida that offers excellent coverage and great customer service. J.D. Power companies with high ratings tend to have more financial stability and offer excellent customer service. The companies that have high J.D.
Check for discounts
Many Florida home insurance companies offer discounts that could reduce your rates. These include new customer discounts, new home discount, and discounts for installing hurricane protection devices on your home.
How to improve your credit score
Improve your credit score to lower your rates. Your credit score can be raised by paying bills on time, and avoiding having high credit card debt.
Consider bundling your policies
A Florida home insurer may offer you a discount if you insure your car and home through them. That can mean a big savings for the year. You can also save on the windstorm part of your policy by bundling.
Add safety features to your home
Adding a deadbolt, smoke alarm, or burglar alarm can reduce your insurance rates because they lower your risk of theft and fire. It's especially important if you live in a high-risk area where a burglary is a common occurrence.
Protect your home from storms
An inspection by a wind mitigation expert can be helpful in assessing the condition of your siding and roof. A qualified expert will also give you tips to reduce your homeowner's policy rate by improving the wind protection of your home.
Get a free quote!
Liberty Mutual is one of the top-rated insurance companies in the country. It has over 100 years experience, and AM Best gives it an A+. It is one of the top choices for Florida home insurance, because of their excellent reputation in customer service. They also offer a wide variety of coverage and have a number of discounts.
Keep in mind that not all Florida home insurance companies will offer all of these discounts and it's important to check with each company to ensure you're receiving the maximum benefit from them.
Florida's average cost for homeowners insurance may not be bad, but it is higher than the national standard and should still be taken seriously. Tower Hill offers the cheapest Florida homeowners insurance, while Citizens charges higher rates for those with dangerous dog breeds.