Home Insurance Agency Fort Myers

A homeowners policy generally combines coverage for the dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, personal liability and certain medical payments, subject to the policy’s limits, deductibles and exclusions. The covered causes of loss differ by form, and some property requires endorsements or separate policies. Read beyond the premium and confirm how the policy treats wind, water, roofs, screened enclosures and valuable items. The issued contract controls, so we help customers compare the actual proposal and policy terms.

Direct flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners policy. Flood insurance is a separate purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer, depending on availability. FloodSmart notes that NFIP building and contents coverage are purchased separately and have separate deductibles. Because water losses are covered differently depending on where the water came from, ask how the home policy and any flood policy divide that risk before assuming you are protected.

A hurricane deductible is the amount the policyholder is responsible for when the policy’s hurricane-deductible terms apply. It is often shown as a percentage of the insured dwelling amount rather than a flat dollar figure, so translate the percentage into dollars when comparing proposals. Confirm the trigger, percentage and dwelling limit instead of looking only at the annual premium. Windstorm terms vary by policy and carrier, and the declarations page and policy language should be reviewed together.

It can. A wind mitigation inspection documents features such as roof geometry, roof-deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection. Insurers use the approved form and their rating rules to determine whether credits apply. Citizens explains that the inspection must be completed by an appropriately qualified inspector and that supporting documentation may be reviewed. Provide the complete current form rather than relying on a verbal summary.

Send the property address, purchase or renewal date, current declarations page, roof information, occupancy, construction details and any available wind mitigation or four-point inspection. Tell the agent about pools, screened enclosures, solar equipment, rental use, home businesses or recent renovations. These details help match the quote request to the real property and reduce last-minute underwriting surprises. If you are buying the home, also share the lender and closing timeline.

Coverage depends on the cause of the loss and the policy terms. A home policy may cover wind damage when wind is a covered peril, subject to the applicable hurricane or wind deductible and exclusions. Flooding, including storm surge, is handled separately; FEMA’s FloodSmart guidance says most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Florida law permits hurricane deductibles, including percentage deductibles tied to dwelling limits, so check the declarations and policy language and translate a percentage into dollars before comparing proposals.