Frequently asked questions.

Smart Choice Partners is an independent insurance agency serving Boca Raton, Jensen Beach, and Daytona Beach, Florida. Below are clear, direct answers to the questions Florida homeowners and drivers ask most — about hurricane coverage, flood insurance, roof rules, deductibles, and how to get the right coverage at a fair price. As an independent agency, we work with multiple top-rated insurance carriers, so our answers — and our quotes — are built around your needs, not one company’s sales goals.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?

Yes — a standard Florida homeowners policy covers wind damage from hurricanes, including damage to your roof and structure. It does not cover flooding from storm surge or rising water; that requires a separate flood insurance policy. Florida policies also carry a separate hurricane deductible, usually 2–10% of your home’s insured value, that applies only to hurricane damage.

Do I need flood insurance in Florida if I don’t live in a high-risk flood zone?

Yes, it’s strongly recommended. A standard homeowners policy never covers flood damage, and a significant share of flood claims come from homes outside high-risk zones. In coastal communities like Boca Raton, Jensen Beach, and Daytona Beach, heavy rain and storm surge can flood homes that have never flooded before. Flood coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood carriers — and there’s typically a 30-day waiting period, so don’t wait for a storm to be named.

How much does homeowners insurance cost in Florida?

Florida homeowners pay among the highest premiums in the country, and your exact price depends on your home’s age, roof condition, construction, location, and coverage limits. The most reliable way to control cost is to compare quotes from multiple carriers — which is exactly what an independent agency like Smart Choice Partners does for you, since we represent several top-rated insurers instead of just one.

What is a hurricane deductible, and how does it work in Florida?

A hurricane deductible is a separate deductible that applies only when a named hurricane damages your home. Instead of a flat dollar amount, it’s a percentage — commonly 2%, 5%, or 10% — of your home’s insured value. So on a home insured for $500,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, you’d pay the first $10,000 of hurricane damage before insurance pays. Choosing a higher percentage lowers your premium but raises your out-of-pocket cost after a storm.

How old can my roof be and still get homeowners insurance in Florida?

Roof age is one of the biggest factors in Florida homeowners insurance. Many carriers limit or decline homes with asphalt shingle roofs older than about 15 years, and Florida law protects homeowners whose roofs are under 15 years old from being dropped solely for roof age. If your roof is older, an independent agency can shop carriers with more flexible roof guidelines — and a roof inspection or certification can help.

What’s the difference between an independent insurance agency and a captive agent?

A captive agent works for one insurance company and can only sell that company’s policies. An independent agency like Smart Choice Partners represents multiple top-rated carriers, so we compare options across companies to find the coverage and price that fit you — and if one carrier raises your rate, we can re-shop your policy without you starting over.

Do I need an umbrella policy if I already have home and auto insurance?

If you own a home, have savings or investments to protect, or have teen drivers, an umbrella policy is worth serious consideration. It adds an extra layer of liability coverage — typically $1 million or more — above your home and auto policies, protecting your assets if you’re found liable in a major accident or lawsuit. It’s one of the most affordable types of coverage per dollar of protection.

How can I lower my car insurance in Florida?

Start with a policy review: bundling auto with your homeowners policy, raising deductibles, and making sure you’re getting every discount you qualify for (safe driver, paperless, paid-in-full) all help. Because Florida rates vary widely between carriers, having an independent agency compare multiple companies is often where the biggest savings are. Safe driving pays off — tickets and at-fault accidents raise Florida premiums significantly.

What does homeowners insurance NOT cover in Florida?

Standard policies exclude flood damage, earth movement, normal wear and tear, and pest damage. In Florida specifically, many homeowners are surprised that screen enclosures (pool cages) and certain structures may have limited or separate coverage. A quick policy review with a licensed advisor can surface these gaps before a claim does.

When should I review my insurance policies?

Review your home and auto policies at every renewal, and any time something changes: a new roof, a renovation, a new driver in the household, a marriage, or a major purchase. In Florida’s fast-changing insurance market, a renewal is also the right moment to re-shop — rates and carrier appetite shift every year, and the best carrier for you this year may not be next year’s.

How do I file a claim after a hurricane in Florida?

Document the damage with photos and video before making temporary repairs, then report the claim as soon as possible — after a major storm, claim volume is extremely high and early filing matters. Keep receipts for temporary repairs and emergency expenses, and don’t throw away damaged items until an adjuster has seen them. Smart Choice Partners clients can reach us through our Client Center or by phone, and we’ll walk you through every step.

What car insurance is required in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state, and the legal minimum is $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) plus $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL). PIP pays your own medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Notably, bodily injury liability is not required for most Florida drivers — but driving without it leaves your savings and assets exposed if you seriously injure someone, which is why most advisors recommend carrying it well above the minimum.

Why is insurance so expensive in Florida?

For homeowners, it’s hurricane risk: Florida’s storm exposure, high rebuilding costs, and expensive reinsurance (the insurance carriers themselves buy) all push premiums up. For drivers, Florida combines some of the nation’s heaviest traffic, a high rate of uninsured drivers, and fraud pressure in the no-fault system. You can’t change the state’s risk profile, but you can control your slice of it — wind mitigation credits, bundling, and comparing multiple carriers through an independent agency are where Florida households find real savings.

What is a wind mitigation inspection, and how much can it save me?

A wind mitigation inspection is a short inspection by a licensed inspector who documents your home’s hurricane-resistant features — roof shape and covering, roof-to-wall connections, a secondary water barrier, and protection on windows and doors. Florida law requires insurers to offer premium credits for verified wind-resistant features, and the savings can be substantial — often hundreds of dollars a year, and more for homes with strong protection. The inspection report stays valid for five years, so one inspection can pay for itself many times over.

What is a 4-point inspection, and why does my insurer require one?

A 4-point inspection covers the four systems insurers care most about in an older home: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Florida carriers commonly require one before insuring or renewing homes that are 20–30 years old or more, to confirm those systems are in safe, working condition. It’s not a full home inspection — it’s a focused insurability check, and if something needs repair, fixing it can be the difference between keeping your coverage and being non-renewed.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from a burst pipe?

Yes — sudden, accidental water damage, like a burst pipe or a failed water heater, is generally covered by a standard homeowners policy, including the damage it does to your floors, walls, and belongings. The broken pipe itself usually isn’t covered, and neither is damage from slow leaks or neglected maintenance. And remember the bright line in Florida: water that comes from inside the home is a homeowners claim; water that rises from outside is flooding, which only a flood policy covers.

What is Citizens Property Insurance, and should I be on it?

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida’s state-created insurer of last resort, set up for homeowners who can’t find coverage in the private market. If you’re with Citizens, know that Florida’s depopulation program regularly moves Citizens policies to private carriers — and if a private offer comes in within 20% of your Citizens premium, you may be required to take it. Private-market policies often include coverage options Citizens doesn’t offer, so it’s worth having an independent agency compare your Citizens policy against private alternatives before a takeout letter forces the decision.

What insurance does a small business need in Florida?

Most Florida small businesses start with four coverages: general liability (injuries and property damage to others), commercial property (your building, equipment, and inventory), workers’ compensation if you have employees, and commercial auto for business vehicles. Depending on what you do, professional liability (errors & omissions), cyber liability, and a commercial umbrella policy round out the protection. Many client contracts and commercial leases require proof of general liability before work can start — Smart Choice Partners can review what your contracts require and build the package around it.

What does general liability insurance cover, and what does it cost?

General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury — for example, a customer injured at your location or damage your work causes to someone else’s property — including legal defense costs. Cost depends on your industry, revenue, payroll, and location; many small businesses pay from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a year. It’s the coverage most landlords, clients, and contracts require first.

Is workers’ compensation insurance required in Florida?

Yes, for most employers. Florida requires workers’ comp for businesses with four or more employees in most industries — and just one or more employees in the construction industry, where the rules are strictest. Coverage pays medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and it protects the business from most employee injury lawsuits. Operating without required coverage can bring state stop-work orders and significant penalties, so it’s one requirement not to guess on.

What is a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)?

A Business Owner’s Policy bundles general liability and commercial property insurance — usually with business interruption coverage included — into a single policy, typically at a lower cost than buying each separately. It’s designed for small and mid-sized businesses like retailers, restaurants, offices, and contractors. A BOP doesn’t include workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto; those are added alongside it based on what your business needs.

Does my business need cyber liability insurance?

If your business stores customer information, accepts card payments, or runs on email and computers, yes. Cyber liability covers the real costs of a data breach or ransomware attack — forensic investigation, customer notification, legal fees, regulatory fines, and lost income while systems are down. General liability does not cover cyber incidents, and small businesses are frequent targets precisely because their defenses are usually thinner than a large company’s.

What is a certificate of insurance, and how do I get one?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves your business carries active insurance coverage — landlords, clients, and general contractors routinely require one before you can start work or sign a lease. Your agency issues it, so Smart Choice Partners clients can request a certificate through our Client Center or by phone, and it’s typically turned around quickly — often the same business day. If a contract asks for additional insured status or a waiver of subrogation, tell us up front so the certificate is issued correctly the first time.

Get Started Today

As an independent agency, we are here to help you find the right Florida Insurance FAQs coverage.