• Dwelling Coverage: Protects the physical structure of your house (walls, roof, etc.) and attached structures like a porch.
• Other Structures Coverage: Covers detached structures on your property such as sheds, fences, or detached garages.
• Personal Property Coverage: Protects your belongings like furniture, clothing, electronics.
• Loss of Use Coverage: Helps cover additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate due to a covered loss.
• Personal Liability Coverage: Protects you financially if you are legally responsible for someone’s injuries or property damage.
• Medical Payments Coverage: May pay for medical expenses if someone is injured on your property.
• Additional Coverages: Consider endorsements or riders for items like jewelry, art, or for specific risks like flood damage (typically not included in standard policies). 

• Average Cost: The average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is about $5,376 annually for a home with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. However, costs can be significantly higher in South Florida, particularly in areas like Homestead, due to hurricane and flood risk.
• Factors Affecting Rates:
  • Location: Coastal areas and those prone to flooding often have higher premiums.
  • Construction Type: Hurricane-resistant construction materials can lower rates, while older homes might have higher premiums.
  • Hurricane Risk Exposure: Features like storm shutters and impact-resistant windows can lead to discounts.
  • Age of Home: Older homes may face higher premiums due to potentially outdated construction.
  • Claims History: A history of frequent claims can increase your premiums.
  • Credit Score: Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores, and a good score can lead to lower premiums.
  • Deductibles: Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.
• Specific to Homestead: Expect potentially higher premiums in Homestead due to its location in South Florida, which faces significant risks from hurricanes and other weather-related perils. 

• Comparison Shopping: It’s crucial to get quotes from multiple insurers and compare coverage and pricing.
• Wind Mitigation: Consider a wind mitigation inspection for potential discounts based on your home’s wind-resistant features.
• Discounts: Explore available discounts, such as those for wind mitigation, security systems, or bundling policies.
• Insurer Stability & Service: Opt for an insurer with a strong financial rating and a good reputation for customer service and claims handling. 

• Not Required by Law: Florida law doesn’t mandate homeowners insurance.
• Lender Requirement: If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require it.
• Highly Recommended: Even if you own your home outright, insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment. 

• Online Tools: Many insurers provide online quote tools.
• Independent Agents: Consider working with an independent agent who can compare quotes from multiple companies.
• Direct Contact: You can also contact insurance companies directly through their websites or phone. 

Call Dorsal Insurance today for a quote at 786.601.2485