Often described as dynamic and diverse, Broward County is also considered one of the best places to live in Florida. The area boasts close-knit communities, a vibrant economy, and 24 miles of charming beaches.
Living close to the ocean makes getting quality home insurance absolutely essential. But what’s the right policy for you?
The answer starts with the type of home you own and how you use it. Let’s take a closer look at your options so you can pick the best homeowners insurance for you.
Broward County home insurance types
People who own and occupy a detached, single-family home typically need homeowners insurance. However, if you rent out your home for part of the year, you probably need a landlord insurance policy.
Home insurance guides for Broward County
If you own a condo, then you need insurance for the portion of the building you live in, what the association documents require you to cover, and your personal property. The policy for you is condo insurance.
Last but not least is mobile home insurance. Mobile homes are treated differently when it comes to insurance policies because they’re generally more susceptible to damage.
Home insurance FAQs for Broward County homeowners
Understanding your home insurance is essential to getting the appropriate coverage. Here are answers to some of the questions we get the most often.
Do I need flood insurance if I have homeowners insurance?
Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider getting flood insurance in Broward County. In fact, you may have to get flood coverage if you live in an area with a high likelihood for floods and have a federally backed mortgage.
Broward County flood maps show several high-risk flood zones, including:
Even if your home is in a moderate-to-low-risk flood zone, buying flood insurance is a good idea just about everywhere in Florida. About 25% of flood claims to the National Flood Insurance Program actually occur outside of high-risk flood zones.
How can I reduce my home insurance costs?
Home hardening is a really good way to reduce your home insurance premiums in Broward County. Examples include:
Basic home maintenance can also keep claims at bay and can minimize your costs in the long run.
What’s the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage?
Replacement cost coverage reimburses damaged property at today’s costs. Actual cash value coverage takes depreciation into account when reimbursing you for damaged or destroyed property.
What’s the process for filing a hurricane-related insurance claim?
Kin customers should contact the Claims Center as soon as they experience a loss of any kind, and especially one that results from a natural disaster or other catastrophic event like a hurricane.
Have the following information on hand to file your claim:
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A photo ID. Once boots are on the ground, your claims professional will need some confirmation of your identity.
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Policy information. If you don’t have this readily available, our claims professional can help you with the details.
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Contact information. You may be staying with friends or in a hotel. Make sure we know the best way to reach you.
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Date of loss. We’ll need to know when the loss occurred.
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Description and photos. When possible, we’ll need a full description of the losses. Photos and videos are incredibly helpful.
Can I make changes to my home insurance policy during hurricane season?
You can make changes to some of the terms of your home insurance policy during hurricane season. For example, you can only change your hurricane deductible when you bind or renew your policy, but you can usually add a hurricane screen enclosure endorsement at any time.
Most insurance companies also won’t write any new policies within 48 hours of a hurricane’s impact. Some will place a moratorium on new policies or policy changes in all areas that might be or are affected by a hurricane warning or watch.
Resources for Broward County homeowners
How to get home insurance in Broward County
While other insurance companies have withdrawn from Florida because of the high cost of hurricanes, Kin is proud to offer affordable coverage to homeowners who need it most. We are committed to Florida for the long haul.
Get a quote for Broward County homeowners insurance today.