{"id":1481,"date":"2026-05-20T16:30:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T20:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rtcinsurance.wordpress.com\/?p=869"},"modified":"2026-07-21T07:15:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T11:15:58","slug":"20121126some-points-to-ponder-before-getting-a-florida-health-insurance-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/20121126some-points-to-ponder-before-getting-a-florida-health-insurance-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Points to Consider Before Getting a Florida Home Insurance Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>This article has been repurposed to reflect our current focus on Florida homeowners insurance.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Choosing a Florida home insurance policy is not something homeowners should rush into. With rising premiums, stricter underwriting guidelines, and increased storm activity, it\u2019s important to understand what you\u2019re buying and how it protects your home. Taking time to evaluate your needs and compare options can save you money and prevent coverage gaps.<\/p>\n<p>Here are key points every Florida homeowner should consider before selecting a home insurance policy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"rtci-wrapper\" style=\"all:unset;display:block;\">\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n\/* Namespaced so nothing else on the site can interfere *\/\r\n.rtci-step { display:none; }\r\n.rtci-step.rtci-active { display:block; }\r\n\r\n.rtci-form {\r\n  max-width:600px;\r\n  margin:0 auto;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rtci-row {\r\n  margin-bottom:15px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rtci-row label {\r\n  display:block;\r\n  font-weight:bold;\r\n  margin-bottom:5px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rtci-row input,\r\n.rtci-row select,\r\n.rtci-row textarea {\r\n  width:100%;\r\n  padding:10px;\r\n  font-size:16px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.rtci-next,\r\n.rtci-prev,\r\n.rtci-submit {\r\n  padding:12px 20px;\r\n  font-size:16px;\r\n  margin-top:10px;\r\n  cursor:pointer;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"rtci-form\">\r\n  <h2>Request a Homeowners Insurance Quote<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\ninput:focus,\r\ntextarea:focus,\r\nselect:focus {\r\n    outline: none !important;\r\n    border: 2px solid #007bff !important;\r\n    box-shadow: 0 0 4px rgba(0, 123, 255, 0.4) !important;\r\n    transition: border-color 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n  <form id=\"rtci-home-form\" action=\"\/blog\/forms\/send-homeowners.php\" method=\"POST\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- Honeypot -->\r\n    <input type=\"text\" name=\"website\" style=\"display:none;\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- STEP 1 -->\r\n    <div class=\"rtci-step rtci-active\">\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>First Name *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"first_name\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Last Name *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"last_name\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Phone *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"phone\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Email *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Street Address *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"street\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>City *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"city\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>State *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"state\" value=\"FL\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>ZIP Code *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"zip\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <button type=\"button\" class=\"rtci-next\">Next<\/button>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- STEP 2 -->\r\n    <div class=\"rtci-step\">\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Number of Stories *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"stories\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Square Footage *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"square_feet\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Construction Type *<\/label>\r\n        <select name=\"construction\" required>\r\n          <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Block\">Block<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Frame\">Frame<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Other\">Other<\/option>\r\n        <\/select>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Roof Year *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"roof_year\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- \u2b50 NEW FIELD HERE \u2b50 -->\r\n<div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n  <label>What Type of Policy Do You Need? *<\/label>\r\n  <select name=\"policy_type\" required>\r\n    <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n    <option value=\"Primary Home (HO-3)\">Primary Home (HO\u20113)<\/option>\r\n    <option value=\"Secondary Home (HO-3)\">Secondary Home (HO\u20113)<\/option>\r\n    <option value=\"Condo Unit-Owners (HO-6)\">Condo Unit\u2011Owners (HO\u20116)<\/option>\r\n    <option value=\"Tenant Occupied Home (DP-3)\">Tenant Occupied Home (DP\u20113)<\/option>\r\n    <option value=\"Flood Only\">Flood Only<\/option>\r\n    <option value=\"Flood + Homeowners\">Flood + Homeowners<\/option>\r\n  <\/select>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n      <button type=\"button\" class=\"rtci-prev\">Previous<\/button>\r\n      <button type=\"button\" class=\"rtci-next\">Next<\/button>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- STEP 3 -->\r\n    <div class=\"rtci-step\">\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Any claims in the last 5 years? *<\/label>\r\n        <select name=\"claims\" required>\r\n          <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"No\">No<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Yes - 1 claim\">Yes - 1 claim<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Yes - 2 claims\">Yes - 2 claims<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Yes - 3+ claims\">Yes - 3+ claims<\/option>\r\n        <\/select>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Current Insurance Status *<\/label>\r\n        <select name=\"current_insurance\" required>\r\n          <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"Yes\">Yes<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"No\">No<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"New Purchase\">New Purchase<\/option>\r\n        <\/select>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <button type=\"button\" class=\"rtci-prev\">Previous<\/button>\r\n      <button type=\"button\" class=\"rtci-next\">Next<\/button>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- STEP 4 -->\r\n    <div class=\"rtci-step\">\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Desired Dwelling Limit *<\/label>\r\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"dwelling_limit\" required>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Liability Limit *<\/label>\r\n        <select name=\"liability_limit\" required>\r\n          <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"$100,000\">$100,000<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"$300,000\">$300,000<\/option>\r\n        <\/select>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Hurricane Deductible *<\/label>\r\n        <select name=\"hurricane_deductible\" required>\r\n          <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"2%\">2%<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"5%\">5%<\/option>\r\n        <\/select>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>All Other Perils Deductible *<\/label>\r\n        <select name=\"aop_deductible\" required>\r\n          <option value=\"\">Select<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"$500\">$500<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"$1000\">$1000<\/option>\r\n          <option value=\"$2500\">$2500<\/option>\r\n        <\/select>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"rtci-row\">\r\n        <label>Additional Notes<\/label>\r\n        <textarea name=\"notes\" rows=\"4\"><\/textarea>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <button type=\"button\" class=\"rtci-prev\">Previous<\/button>\r\n      <button type=\"submit\" class=\"rtci-submit\">Submit Quote<\/button>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/form>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\ndocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {\r\n\r\n  const steps = document.querySelectorAll(\".rtci-step\");\r\n  const nextBtns = document.querySelectorAll(\".rtci-next\");\r\n  const prevBtns = document.querySelectorAll(\".rtci-prev\");\r\n  let currentStep = 0;\r\n\r\n  function scrollToForm() {\r\n    const formTop = document.querySelector(\".rtci-form\").offsetTop;\r\n    window.scrollTo({ top: formTop - 20, behavior: \"smooth\" });\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function showStep(n) {\r\n    steps.forEach(step => step.classList.remove(\"rtci-active\"));\r\n    steps[n].classList.add(\"rtci-active\");\r\n    scrollToForm();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  nextBtns.forEach(btn => {\r\n    btn.addEventListener(\"click\", () => {\r\n      if (currentStep < steps.length - 1) {\r\n        currentStep++;\r\n        showStep(currentStep);\r\n      }\r\n    });\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  prevBtns.forEach(btn => {\r\n    btn.addEventListener(\"click\", () => {\r\n      if (currentStep > 0) {\r\n        currentStep--;\r\n        showStep(currentStep);\r\n      }\r\n    });\r\n  });\r\n\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\n<h2>1. Understand Your Home\u2019s Replacement Cost<\/h2>\n<p>Your dwelling coverage should be based on the cost to rebuild your home \u2014 not its market value. Construction costs in Florida continue to rise, and being underinsured can leave you paying out of pocket after a major loss.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure your policy reflects:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Current construction and labor costs<\/li>\n<li>Square footage and building materials<\/li>\n<li>Upgrades or renovations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A proper replacement cost estimate is essential for adequate protection (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/replacement-cost-vs-market-value\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">replacement cost explained<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>2. Know Your Roof\u2019s Age and Condition<\/h2>\n<p>Roof age is one of the biggest factors in Florida home insurance eligibility and pricing. Many carriers require newer roofs or specific roof coverings.<\/p>\n<p>Before applying for coverage, gather:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Roof permit date<\/li>\n<li>Type of roof covering<\/li>\n<li>Wind mitigation inspection (if available) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/wind-mitigation-inspection-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wind mitigation inspection<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A newer, well\u2011maintained roof can significantly reduce your premium (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/roof-underwriting-changes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">roof underwriting changes<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>3. Review Your Deductible Options<\/h2>\n<p>Florida home insurance policies include two main deductibles:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hurricane deductible:<\/strong> Usually 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/florida-home-insurance-deductibles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">deductible guide<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>All other perils deductible:<\/strong> A flat amount such as $1,000 or $2,500<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Higher deductibles can lower your premium, but make sure you can comfortably afford them if you need to file a claim.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Understand What\u2019s Not Covered<\/h2>\n<p>Standard home insurance policies do not cover everything. Common exclusions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Flood damage:<\/strong> Requires a separate flood insurance policy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/flood-insurance-market-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">flood trends<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wear and tear:<\/strong> Maintenance issues are not insurable<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water backup:<\/strong> Requires an optional endorsement<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mold:<\/strong> Often limited unless additional coverage is purchased<\/li>\n<li><strong>High\u2011value items:<\/strong> Jewelry, collectibles, and firearms may need scheduled coverage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Knowing these exclusions helps you avoid surprises during a claim.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Consider Optional Coverages<\/h2>\n<p>Depending on your home and location, you may want to add:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Flood insurance<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Water backup coverage<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Screen enclosure coverage<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Replacement cost on contents<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/replacement-cost-vs-market-value\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">replacement cost explained<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ordinance &amp; Law coverage<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These endorsements can provide valuable protection during a loss.<\/p>\n<h2>6. Compare Multiple Companies<\/h2>\n<p>Florida\u2019s insurance market varies widely from one carrier to another. Rates, underwriting guidelines, and coverage options can differ significantly.<\/p>\n<p>When comparing companies, look at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coverage limits<\/li>\n<li>Deductibles<\/li>\n<li>Included endorsements<\/li>\n<li>Exclusions<\/li>\n<li>Financial strength<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Price alone should not determine your decision.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Work With an Independent Agent<\/h2>\n<p>Florida\u2019s insurance market changes quickly. As an independent agent, I can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Compare multiple companies<\/li>\n<li>Match your home with the right underwriting guidelines (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertcolucci.com\/carrier-appetite-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carrier appetite patterns<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Explain coverage differences<\/li>\n<li>Identify discounts you may qualify for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This ensures you get strong coverage at a competitive price.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Localized Guidance<\/h2>\n<p>Coverage needs and pricing vary by region. For county\u2011specific insights, visit my <a href=\"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/home-insurance-by-county.htm\">Florida Counties We Serve<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>Before choosing a Florida home insurance policy, take time to understand your coverage needs, review your home\u2019s details, and compare multiple carriers. With the right information and guidance, you can secure a policy that protects your home and fits your budget.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Robert Colucci is an independent insurance agent. Carrier availability varies by location and underwriting guidelines.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article has been repurposed to reflect our current focus on Florida homeowners insurance. Choosing a Florida home insurance policy is not something homeowners should rush into. With rising premiums, stricter underwriting guidelines, and increased storm activity, it\u2019s important to understand what you\u2019re buying and how it protects your home. Taking time to evaluate your&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[4,118,350,361],"class_list":["post-1481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-florida-counties-we-serve","tag-florida-home-insurance","tag-florida-homeowners-insurance","tag-home-insurance-coverage","tag-home-insurance-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1481"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3340,"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481\/revisions\/3340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rtcinsuranceadvisors.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}