What You Need to Know About Homeowner's Insurance in Florida

There are several things about Florida homeowner's insurance that you need to know to help you get the lowest and best possible home insurance rate.  Here is a brief list of some of the most important things to keep in mind when looking to buy a home:

• The Age of the Home:  Homes built in 2002 or later are up to date with the newest hurricane protection standards.
  
• Hurricane Protection:  Regardless of the home's age, be sure to check for impact-resistant glass, hurricane shutters and the vertically and horizontally steel-reinforced garage door.
• Proximity to Bodies of Water:  See how close you are to a natural body of water, such as a canal, river or large lake.
• Roof:  You want to be sure that the roof is in good condition and inspect how it was built.  Hip roofs are the best for insurance purposes.
• Proximity to Fire Hydrant:  Believe it or not, how close you are to a fire hydrant counts too!
• Flood Zone:  Obviously, insurance will be cheaper on properties that are not in a flood zone.

After you have purchased your home, there are even more things you can do to help your insurance rates be as low as possible.  You should get your home inspected through the state of Florida for wind resistance.  Visit www.MySafeFloridaHome.com at have them perform the inspection.  We've heard success stories of insurancing going from $1987 to $727 just from having this inspection performed.

To shop and compare rates, one of the best sites around is http://www.shopandcomparerates.com/HOCompareRates.htm.