How to Compare Homeowners Insurance Rates in Florida

Floridians face floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters that make finding affordable homeowners insurance frustrating. With the number of policies available and the many nuances of special coverage, finding a good rate is often difficult. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation offers a tool to compare rates as a starting point. You may prefer to work with an insurance agent or call companies directly to compare rates and coverage options.

Instructions

1. Visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation's website to find information about homeowners insurance. The site offers a "Shop and Compare" section that allows you to compare premium rates of insurers in your county. You also can call the consumer helpline at 877-693-5236 for assistance. Additionally, read the consumer guides available on the website.

2. Contact an insurance agent licensed in Florida to obtain homeowners insurance quotes on your behalf. To find an agent, complete an agent search on the National Association of Health Underwriters' website. Give the agent information about your home and she will obtain quotes and help you compare rates and coverage levels.

3. Call several homeowners insurance companies to request a rate quote. Write down the quotes and deductibles for each section of the policy, including dwelling, other structures, personal property, additional living expenses and liability. Ask for quotes for flood damage, mold, fungi and hurricane damage, which are not typically part of a homeowners policy but are important to Florida homeowners.

4. Review information about each insurance company on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation's website. Click on the "Company Search" feature and input the name of each company where it says "Company Name." Select "Property and Casualty Insurer" in the "Company Type" drop-down menu.

5. Complete a side-by-side comparison of the rates from several of the companies you got quotes from. Review the premiums against the amount of coverage, deductibles and additional coverage needed for flood and hurricane damage. If you need further assistance with your comparison, contact the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation's consumer helpline at 877-693-5236.

References

• Shop and Compare: Compare Homeowners Insurance Rates
• Florida Department of Financial Services: Homeowners Insurance Overview
• Realtor Mag: 5 Basic Components of Homeowners' Insurance
• Florida Department of Financial Services: Need Our Help?

Resources

• National Association of Health Underwriters: Find an Agent
• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Company Directory