Home insurance in Orlando

The average annual cost of home insurance in Orlando is $6,020^* for a home with a replacement cost value of $350,000, which is lower than the state average. How much you’ll pay for coverage will depend on several factors like your home’s age, composition, size, and ZIP code.

^{*Based on data from the Consumer Federation for America.}

Several factors will affect the cost of home insurance in Orlando, including: 

• Replacement cost. The more expensive it would be to rebuild your home if it were destroyed, the more you’ll pay for coverage. 

• Home’s age. You may pay more for coverage if you live in an older home that does not meet today's building codes. For instance, older homes in neighborhoods like Colonialtown, College Park, or Delaney Park may have outdated plumbing, roofing, or wiring, making them more susceptible to risk and claims

• Location. Where your home is located, down to the ZIP code, can affect your rates. Homes in high-crime neighborhoods or those that are far from fire hydrants or stations may be most costly to insure.  

• Natural disaster risks. Despite being inland, Orlando is still vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. 

• Claims history. A history of frequent claims can lead to higher rates, while a claim-free history can often help you save on coverage.

• Your credit history. Florida home insurers can use your credit-based insurance score to determine your rate. 

Your exact coverage needs will depend on your property, location, and risk tolerance. However, keep these tips in mind when purchasing a home insurance policy in Orlando: 

• Dwelling coverage equal to 100% of your home replacement cost value, so you could rebuild your home after a total loss.

• Other structures coverage equal to at least 10% of your dwelling limit to help pay to repair or replace detached structures on your property, like garages or sheds.  

• Personal property coverage to replace your belongings after a loss. Limits are usually set to at least 50% of your dwelling limit, but you should conduct a home inventory to assess your needs.

• Personal liability coverage with a limit high enough to protect your finances and assets in case of accidental injury or property damage to others that may result in a lawsuit.

• Loss of use coverage to pay for temporary housing and other essentials, like meals and laundry, if your home is uninhabitable after a covered claim. Policies often include coverage equal to 20% of your dwelling limit. 

• Medical payment coverage to pay for minor medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. Limits often range from $1,000 to $5,000. 

• A separate flood insurance policy that covers the cost to rebuild or replace your dwelling and personal property after a flood, which standard home insurance typically excludes

A standard home insurance policy in Orlando typically does not cover: 

• Flood damage

• Sinkhole damage

• Sewer backup

• Sump pump failure

• Mold damage

• Animal, pest, and termite damage

• Normal wear and tear

• Earthquakes and ground movement

Given the risks associated with properties in Orlando, homeowners should consider the following coverages:

• Water backup coverage. Pays for water damage from backed-up drains or sump pump overflows, which standard policies exclude.

• Sinkhole insurance. Central Florida has karst terrain and a history of sinkholes, making sinkhole coverage a wise decision, as damage is otherwise usually excluded

• Ordinance or law coverage. Older homes that do not meet current building codes will need to be upgraded to modern codes during repair or rebuilding, and homeowners will have to pay the extra cost without this coverage

• Extended replacement cost coverage. Can cover fluctuations in building costs that often happen due to labor shortages, hurricanes, and inflation, and may exceed your dwelling coverage limits

Home insurance is not required in Orlando, but if you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will most likely require you to have it. You may also need flood insurance if your lender requires.

Even if you don't need home insurance, it's a wise investment. After a covered loss, such as a fire or storm, home insurance can help cover the cost to rebuild, repair, or replace your property.