Florida has a high risk for natural disasters. Hurricanes frequently affect the state, bringing high winds, torrential rains and flood waters — all of which are the most common home claims filed in the state. Wildfires are another concern for residents of Florida.
Purchasing adequate insurance protection, including a separate flood insurance policy where warranted, can help mitigate the risks of living in Jacksonville. Installing security devices, fire alarms and automatic sprinklers can also increase home safety.
Recommended Home Insurance Coverage in Jacksonville
Most standard home insurance policies include similar types of coverage, including:
- Dwelling: This coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home after a covered peril, such as fire, vandalism or a windstorm. Generally, you should have enough dwelling coverage to pay to fully rebuild your home.
- Additional structures: This provides coverage for additional buildings and structures on your property, such as sheds, detached garages and fences. Limits are typically a percentage of your policy’s dwelling coverage.
- Personal property coverage: This pays to repair or replace your personal belongings that become lost or damaged in a covered event. In most cases, protection also applies to your property if it’s not in your home. For example, your policy may cover a cell phone stolen from your parked car.
- Loss of use: This portion of a policy pays for additional living expenses, including hotels and meals, if your home is unlivable after a covered event.
- Liability: Liability insurance can help cover legal fees and damages if someone is hurt on your property or you cause property damage.
- Medical payments: This insurance pays for some injuries of third parties that happen on your property, generally regardless of liability.
A standard HO-3 policy covers most basic home insurance needs. However, because of the unique risks of living in Jacksonville, we also recommend investing in the following extra coverage options:
- Flood insurance: Flood insurance protects your home from water damage caused by severe weather and pump failures. New state regulations require individuals insured with the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan to carry flood insurance. Otherwise, purchasing flood coverage is optional. Most homeowners who opt for flood protection purchase it through the NFIP. However, select private insurers also underwrite flood coverage in the state.
- Hurricane protection: You can protect your property from hurricane damage by adding optional coverage for high wind, hail and water damage — all three of which are high on the list of natural disasters common in Jacksonville.
- Replacement cost coverage: Rising construction costs, especially in the wake of natural disasters, can leave homeowners underinsured. Opting for full replacement cost coverage eliminates this risk by paying to replace items at the current market value.
