Finding homeowners insurance in Tallahassee, Florida
Though Tallahassee is Florida’s capital and home of Florida State University and Florida A&M University, it’s perhaps best known in the scientific community as the home of the world’s most powerful electron microscope. But you don’t have to be a science buff to appreciate living in Tallahassee. With a vibrant urban community, parks and gardens, and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone.
Yet homeowners here face nearly 60 inches of rainfall every year, meaning flooding is a real risk. Those seeking affordable Florida homeowners insurance can find it through Kin where our average rate in Tallahassee is $974 a year.
Tallahassee home insurance costs
The average homeowners insurance rate in Florida for all carriers combined is $1,951, making Florida one of the most expensive states for homeowners insurance. Kin is considerably more affordable with an average state-wide premium of $1,354 a year. In fact, homeowners in Tallahassee can get a policy that covers both standard perils and hurricanes for as little as $875 annually.
That said, your policy’s price depends on the age, construction, size, and exact location of your home. Your personal property coverage and liability limits also impact the cost of your coverage.
Comparing the cost of homeowners insurance in Tallahassee (part of Leon County), you see the costs vary widely between Kin and other insurance companies.
| Value of home |
Kin |
Security First |
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company |
Tower Hill Preferred |
State Farm |
| $150k, Pre-2001 Construction, No Wind Mit |
$929 |
$1,171 |
$983 |
$1,357 |
$1,856 |
| $150k, Pre-2001 Construction w/ Wind Mit |
$875 |
$1,063 |
$579 |
$934 |
$1,574 |
| $300k New Construction |
$1,118 |
$1,371 |
$1,068 |
$1,653 |
$2,650 |
The chart shows that Kin is competitively priced. The rates also illustrate the savings policyholders experience when buying a newly built home or installing wind mitigation features.
A newer home may be considerably cheaper to insure because new homes are built to meet stricter building codes to better withstand hurricanes. As you can see, a new home that is twice the value is just $200 more a year to insure.
If your home has special features – like a swimming pool or hurricane screen enclosure – talk to your Kin representative and we can help you protect them.
Basics of Tallahassee home insurance
If you’ve ever looked at your insurance policy’s declarations page and wondered what it all means, you’re not alone. Insurance has a reputation for being complicated, so let’s keep it simple.
When buying homeowners insurance in Tallahassee, Florida, pay attention to the following on your declarations page:
- Replacement cost dwelling coverage: This is how much you have to rebuild your home to its pre-claim condition.
- Other structures coverage: This helps you repair or rebuild other structures on your property, such as your garage, shed, etc.
- Personal property insurance: This is the total value of your personal belongings, such as clothing, electronics, appliances, your vinyl collection, etc.
- Loss of use coverage: This can help you pay for additional living expenses, like staying in a hotel, while your home is under repair for a covered claim.
- Personal liability coverage: This is how much your provider will pay toward a claim that you damaged someone’s property.
- Medical payments coverage: This is how much your provider will cover for “friendly injuries” on your property – i.e., someone needs medical attention but isn’t likely to sue you.
Of course, depending on your home and your needs, your policy may include additional coverages.
Worried about hurricane damage? Check out our guide to Florida hurricane insurance.
Covering big risks in Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee home insurance policies cover standard perils, such as fire, theft, and water damage caused by a pipe bursting. In Florida, we talk a lot about hurricanes and flooding, but crime in Tallahassee is high, too. Make sure you are covered for natural disasters and that your personal property is adequately covered for theft.
Tallahassee hurricane coverage
While storms that move up the eastern coast can hit Tallahassee, its biggest risk is from storms like Hurricane Michael that move northeast from the Florida Panhandle. Though many storms that make landfall to the east or south generally die down before reaching Tallahassee, the region is still prone to storms.
Hurricane insurance pays for the damage caused by the high winds of a hurricane. The winds can destroy roofs or send tree branches and other debris through homes, causing thousands of dollars in damages. Kin policies include hurricane insurance, and homeowners can choose a hurricane deductible of $500 or 2 percent, 5 percent, or 10 percent of the home’s replacement cost. This is separate from your standard home insurance deductible.
Tallahassee flood insurance
There are four main waterways that cause flooding in Tallahassee: the West Drainage Ditch, the East Drainage Ditch, the Central Drainage Ditch, and the Northeast Drainage Ditch. This doesn’t mean other areas of the city are without flood risk, but these areas can be especially risky during heavy rains.
Flooding in these areas is often just inches deep but can flood garages, basements, and street-level floors. Kin Insurance offers a flood endorsement to help homeowners deal with this type of risk and save money on flood coverage.
Sinkhole coverage in Tallahassee
Sinkholes can happen in any part of Florida due to the high concentration of limestone in the ground, but the middle of Tallahassee is especially susceptible to sinkholes. The swamplands erode limestone in the ground and lead to collapse.
Sinkholes aren’t just in the remote part of the city; in 2014 and 2018 respectively, two sinkholes appeared in residents’ yards. Luckily, no one was hurt. Kin’s coverage for sinkholes helps protect residents in areas where ground collapse is more common.
Keeping Tallahassee home insurance costs down
Even though Tallahassee home insurance is some of the least expensive homeowners insurance in the state, there are still things you can do to keep costs down. Saving even $300 every year adds up to thousands over the life of your mortgage.
The following discounts are available for homeowners in Tallahassee:
- Protective devices: Smoke alarms, security systems, and water mitigation systems
- Wind mitigation measures: Impact-resistant doors and windows and reinforced roofing
- Secure communities: Gated neighborhoods with or without guards
- New construction: Homes under six years of age
- Electronic policy: Online policy and account management
Your Kin representative will review these discounts to make sure you get every opportunity to save. Some discounts require documentation, so be prepared with your wind mitigation inspection report and security certificate.
