1. What does the policy actually cover?
A homeowners quote is more useful when you know its limits and exclusions. Florida’s Department of Financial Services provides consumer tools for comparing coverage, deductibles and the information an insurer may request.
Ask a licensed insurance professional to walk through the written quote for the specific property. Keep the roof and system information, inspection requests and any coverage conditions together. A premium alone does not explain the protection you are buying.
2. What would the deductible mean in dollars?
Florida DFS explains that a hurricane deductible may be separate from the policy’s other deductible. Percentage-based deductibles relate to the policy’s insured dwelling amount, not necessarily the price you paid for the home.
For a simple hypothetical example, 2% of $400,000 in dwelling coverage is $8,000. That is an arithmetic illustration, not a quote or a statement of what your policy requires. Ask the insurer to show the actual dollar amount and explain when it applies.
3. What about flooding?
FEMA’s FloodSmart guidance says most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. It also explains that lower flood risk is not the same as no flood risk.
Review the address using the official flood resources, then ask about separate flood coverage, the building and contents limits, deductibles and the effective date. A neighborhood label or a seller’s recollection is not a policy review.
Compare quotes with the same questions
Put each quote beside the others and check the coverage amounts, exclusions, deductibles and assumptions. If one is much cheaper, ask which difference explains it.
Keep a copy of the final policy and the agent’s contact information where you can find them. When a home’s condition, coverage or your circumstances change, revisit the conversation. This guide is a starting point; the written policy and the insurer’s explanation are what you need for your own decisions.