Florida Windstorm Insurance (Cost & Coverage) | Bellken Insurance (2024)

Your standard homeowners, condo or renters’ insurance policy covers windstorm damage to your dwelling, other structures, and personal property. However, your insurer may have a separate deductible for windstorm damage caused by a named storm such as a hurricane or tropical storm. This varies depending on where you live and who your insurer is.

If your property is damaged by a storm that the National Weather Service has given an official name, you will need to pay a higher named storm deductible before your insurance begins to cover the costs. The amount of this deductible depends on your dwelling coverage amount. In Florida, you can select from deductible options of $500, 2%, 5%, and 10% for named storms. For example, if your dwelling coverage is $250,000 and you have a 2% deductible, you will have to pay $5,000 before your insurance company covers the rest of the damage.

At Bellken Insurance Group, we understand how important it is to have the right coverage for windstorms in Florida. That’s why we offer the best windstorm insurance coverage that’s tailored to meet your needs. Our policies provide comprehensive protection for your home and belongings in case of a windstorm, and our team of experts can help you find the right coverage for your unique situation.



If you are looking for windstorm insurance in Florida, contact us today, and let us help you get the coverage you need for peace of mind. We’re here to make sure you and your family are safe and protected against windstorms. Get in touch today, and we’ll start finding the best solution for you.

Windstorms are powerful winds that can harm buildings and plants and sometimes create hail, tornadoes, or waterspouts. These winds may result from various weather conditions such as cold fronts, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or extratropical cyclones.

The National Weather Service states that windstorms are frequent in Florida from late May through June. During this season, severe thunderstorms are common, and they can cause damage with hail, strong winds, and waterspouts as well as heavy rainfall and lightning. From July to early September, Florida experiences the peak of the rainy season when there are daily thunderstorms triggered by warm and humid conditions, sea breezes, and subtropical ridges. These storms can produce strong winds too, but they are usually limited to specific areas and brief.

Windstorms in Florida can also occur from mid-September through early October as the rainy season ends and tropical systems & cold fronts become more frequent. These storms might bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and sometimes tornadoes. Hurricanes are the most severe windstorms in Florida and form from June to November, but occur mainly between August and October, producing winds over 74 mph, floods, storm surges, and tornadoes.

Your windstorm insurance policy will provide coverage for your dwelling, other structures, and personal property in the event of a windstorm. This includes:

• Replacement cost coverage for your dwelling and other structures: This will cover the costs to rebuild or repair your home and any other structures (such as a shed, garage, or fence) that have been damaged by windstorms.
• Replacement cost coverage for your personal property: Personal property is defined as the physical items you own and use in your home, such as furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, etc. If these have been damaged due to a windstorm, your policy will cover the costs of replacing them with new items.
• Loss of use coverage: If you are unable to live in your home due to damages sustained from a windstorm, your policy will cover the costs for additional living expenses such as rent, food, and other costs associated with temporary housing.

Some policies may also cover debris removal and tree removal costs incurred after the windstorm.

Florida law doesn't require homeowners to buy windstorm insurance. However, those who live in coastal counties or other high-risk areas are highly encouraged to purchase coverage since windstorms can be severe and cause catastrophic damage that is not covered by standard home insurance policies.



In addition, if you purchased a mortgage to buy your home, your lender will likely require you to have windstorm insurance in place. The best way to determine if you need windstorm insurance is to contact an experienced independent insurance agent who can help you assess your risk and provide the coverage that is best suited for your needs.

The cost of windstorm insurance varies depending on your location, the type and amount of coverage you need, and other factors such as your credit score. Generally, the closer you are to the coast or other high-risk areas, the more expensive your policy will be.

The average cost for a windstorm insurance policy in Florida is between $1,000 and $2,000 per year. However, this number can change depending on the factors mentioned above and discounts that may be available to you.



Before you buy windstorm insurance, it's important to shop around for the best coverage at the most affordable price.

If you live in a high-risk area, you may be eligible for wind mitigation credits that can help lower the cost of your windstorm insurance policy. Wind mitigation credits are given to homeowners who have taken steps to reduce the risk of wind damage to their property.



These steps include strengthening your roof, installing hurricane shutters or storm panels, fortifying your doors and windows, and reinforcing your home's exterior walls. If you can prove that these measures have been taken, you may qualify for a discount on your windstorm insurance policy.

Although windstorm insurance provides financial protection in the event that your property is damaged by a windstorm, it's important to take proactive measures to protect your home. This includes:

• Securing or removing any loose objects in the yard that can become airborne in high winds.
• Installing hurricane shutters or storm panels for added protection against flying debris.
• Trimming trees and shrubs to reduce damage from falling limbs and branches.
• Anchoring outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that can be blown away in high winds.
• Reinforcing your home's roof and exterior walls to increase its structural strength.
• Installing wind-resistant windows and doors.
• Installing surge protectors for electronics, appliances, and other sensitive equipment.
• Storing important documents in a safe place to prevent damage or loss.
• Having an evacuation plan in place and stocking up on emergency supplies such as food, water, and medical supplies.

This is a great precautionary list! However, it's important to remember that the best way to protect your home is to purchase adequate windstorm insurance coverage so you are financially protected in the event of a windstorm.

No, Florida windstorm insurance does not include flood coverage. Flood coverage is a separate policy and must be purchased separately if you are in a high-risk area.

Most flood policies sold and serviced by property insurers are backed by FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Additionally, some Florida homeowners have the option to purchase flood coverage from private insurers.

There are several ways to lower your Florida windstorm insurance premiums. First, you can raise your deductible. This means that you will have to pay a higher amount out of pocket if you file a claim. A higher deductible typically results in a lower premium.

You may also be able to qualify for discounts if you take steps to reduce the risk of wind damage on your property. This includes installing hurricane shutters, reinforcing your roof, and fortifying exterior walls.



You may also be eligible for discounts depending on the age of your home and its distance from the coast or other high-risk areas. Additionally, some insurers offer loyalty programs and other discounts for long-term policyholders.

Finally, some insurers offer multi-policy discounts if you bundle your windstorm insurance with other policies such as car insurance or homeowners’ insurance.

Take the time to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Doing so can save you money and help protect your property in the event of a windstorm.

At Bellken Insurance Group, we understand how overwhelming searching for the right windstorm insurance can be. That's why we are here to help you find the best coverage at the most affordable price.



We offer free quotes on Florida windstorm insurance and will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started!