Homeowners Insurance in Bonita Springs, Naples, Fort Myers and Estero

Premiums depend on the individual home as well as its location. Carriers commonly consider roof age and material, construction, distance to the coast, wind mitigation features and the hurricane deductible you choose. Two homes on the same street can be priced very differently, so a quote for your home will tell you more than an average does.

Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover flood, which includes rising water, overflowing bodies of water and storm surge. Flood coverage is usually purchased as a separate policy. We can quote both together so you can see how the two policies fit.

Hurricane wind damage is typically covered, subject to your policy's terms, exclusions and hurricane deductible. In Florida, hurricane deductibles are commonly set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (such as 2%, 5% or 10%) rather than a flat dollar amount, though some policies offer other options. Water damage from storm surge or rising water is generally treated as flood and is typically covered only by a separate flood policy.

A higher deductible often lowers your premium, but it increases what you pay out of pocket after a hurricane loss. The percentage applies to your dwelling coverage limit, not the amount of the damage. For example, a 2% deductible on a policy with $400,000 in dwelling coverage is $8,000, while 5% is $20,000. Many homeowners choose the deductible they could comfortably pay on short notice.

Under Florida law, an insurer generally may not refuse to issue or renew a policy solely because the roof is under 15 years old. For roofs 15 years or older, an insurer generally may not refuse solely because of age if an inspection shows at least five years of remaining useful life. The homeowner typically pays for that inspection. Carriers and Citizens may still apply their own roof condition, material and inspection requirements.

It may. Florida law requires insurers to offer premium credits, discounts or other rate differentials for qualifying wind-resistant construction features, such as roof straps or clips, hip roof shapes and impact-rated opening protection. Credit amounts vary by carrier and by what the inspection finds. A completed wind mitigation report generally remains valid for up to five years if there are no material changes to the home.

Florida law generally requires insurers to give at least 120 days' advance written notice before non-renewing a residential property policy, and the notice must state the reason. That can give you time to find replacement coverage, though shorter notice applies in some situations. Carriers may non-renew for reasons such as changes in their risk exposure, underwriting guidelines or the condition of the home. Have your notice letter handy when you contact us. We can review replacement options from the carriers we work with, and discuss Citizens if you are eligible.

Compare it before you decide. If a private insurer offers comparable coverage at a premium that is not more than 20% above your estimated Citizens renewal premium, you generally are no longer eligible to renew with Citizens, so the offer matters either way. Check the hurricane deductible, limits and roof terms, not only the price, and note the response deadline on your notice.

Whether homeowners insurance is required depends on your situation. A mortgage lender typically requires it while you have a loan, and a community or lease may have its own requirements. Many owners keep coverage after the loan is paid off, because without it the cost of repairing or rebuilding after a loss falls on the owner.

Yes. Condo units are typically insured on an HO-6 policy, and homes you rent to others on a dwelling policy such as a DP-3. Tell us how the home is used and we can help identify the right form.