There are three types of policies that we South Floridians are mostly concerned with: Homeowner’s Insurance, Windstorm Insurance, and Flood Insurance. Homeowner’s is usually written through a standard carrier, like Florida Family, State Farm and so on. Windstorm is usually written through the state pool, Citizens. Flood is always Federal.

Homeowner’s insurance covers fire, theft, liability, and so on. It does NOT cover damage to your home from a hurricane! That coverage comes through windstorm and flood.

Windstorm insurance covers damage to your home from wind - as in a hurricane. Flood insurance covers damage to your home from rising waters. It is very important to understand the difference between these two types of policies.

If you have windstorm coverage and not flood, and a very wet storm hits us that causes flooding, if the rising waters from the heavy rain intrude into your home and damage the structure, you would not be covered (check with your agent!).

We strongly recommend that everyone purchase flood insurance, even if you are not in a FEMA flood zone. It is very inexpensive, and may be the best money you ever spent!

Here are some other thoughts for checking your insurance.