Home MaintenanceReal Estate January 30, 2025

How Good is Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

 

This week I present several articles about homeowners’ insurance. What is covered in a natural disaster?  How old can your roof be, to get it insured?

In a previous blog,  I discussed how to shop around for homeowners insurance if you find your homeowner insurance going way up because of the age of your roof.  Most of the info is  still accurate, except in Black Diamond, you can now choose the material of your roof (steel, asphalt shingle or tile).  Of course, the POA/ ARB has to approve the roof contract. Here’s the link to that article:

https://lindathomas-jwmortonrealestateinc.sites.c21.homes/2023/12/18/aging-roofs-and-homeowners-insurance

Then the Florida Association of Realtors published an article on homeowners’  insurance and natural disasters.  What does insurance actually cover?

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers the structure of your home, other structures on your property (like a detached garage or shed), and your personal belongings in the event of fire damage. This includes fires caused by candles, grease, electrical malfunctions (e.g., faulty wiring), wildfires, and lightning. However, a standard policy may not cover all fire damage, including damage caused by nuclear hazards, arson, poor maintenance, or regular wear and tear. Please contact your insurance agent if you have questions.

link to full article: Consumer Guide- Fire Damage and Policy Coverage

 

 

I got to thinking about the fires in California… and I asked my local agent to explain what homeowners’ insurance covers in catastrophic incidents.

The recent devastating wildfires in California serve as a sobering reminder of how natural disasters can strike with little warning, causing significant damage and disruption. While here in Florida, we are fortunate to have preventive measures such as prescribed burns to help reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, we are not without our own weather-related challenges. Our state is frequently impacted by hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding, making it crucial to ensure that your home insurance policies are up to date and provide the coverage you need.

Link to full article: Newsletter – Protecting Your Home – Lessons from the California Wildfires