Home Insurance

After Hurricane Isaias: A Fall Home Insurance Checkup for Florida Families

Posted on by webbuilder in Blog, Home Insurance |

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, made landfall near Destin on October 9 as a Category 2 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. It’s a good reminder for families across North Central and Northeast Florida to take a fresh look at their home insurance.

Hurricane season runs through November 30, and fall is a good time to spend 20 minutes with your homeowners policy. Here’s what we’d look at with you.

If Isaias Left Damage, Don’t Wait to Report It

If you found missing shingles, a damaged fence or a tree limb on the roof after the storm, take photos, make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent more damage (tarping a roof, for example), keep your receipts and call us or your insurance company.

Florida law also puts a clock on claims. Under section 627.70132 of the Florida Statutes:

  • A new or reopened property claim must be reported to your insurer within 1 year after the date of loss.
  • A supplemental claim (more damage from the same event that you find later) must be reported within 18 months after the date of loss.
  • For hurricane claims, the date of loss is the date the hurricane made landfall.

Small roof damage can turn into a leak months later, so if you aren’t sure, ask now.

Know How Your Hurricane Deductible Works

Florida home policies usually have two deductibles: one for hurricane losses and one for everything else (often called “All Other Perils”). The hurricane deductible is the one that surprises people.

When it applies. Under Florida law, the hurricane deductible covers damage during a specific window. It starts when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Florida. It ends 72 hours after the last hurricane watch or warning for any part of Florida ends (section 627.4025). That’s why a storm that comes ashore hundreds of miles away can still put wind damage at your house under your hurricane deductible.

How much it is. Hurricane deductibles are often a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount. Insurers must offer choices of $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of the dwelling limit, with some exceptions for higher-value homes (section 627.701). Your insurer has to print the actual dollar amount on your declarations page. For example only: on a home insured for $500,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $10,000.

It’s once per calendar year. Florida’s hurricane deductible applies on an annual basis. If you have a hurricane claim this year and another hurricane causes damage later in the same calendar year, with the same insurer or another insurer in the same group, you generally pay the greater of what’s left of your hurricane deductible or your All Other Perils deductible.

Do you know your hurricane deductible in dollars, and could you cover it from savings? If not, let’s talk about the trade-offs.

Check That Your Dwelling Limit Still Fits Your Home

Your dwelling coverage (Coverage A) should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home today, not what you paid for it or what it would sell for. If you’ve redone the kitchen, added a pool or finished a bonus room since the policy was written, your limit may be behind.

Florida law requires insurers to offer replacement cost coverage on the home itself (section 627.7011). Replacement cost pays to repair or rebuild without taking off for wear and tear. Make sure that’s what you have. Ask whether you have extended replacement cost or an inflation guard, too.

Look Closely at Your Roof and Water Coverage

Two parts of Florida home policies have changed a lot in recent years:

  • Roofs. Some policies now pay roof claims on a schedule based on the roof’s age and material, and some carry a separate roof deductible. Your declarations page and endorsements will tell you which applies.
  • Water damage. Many insurers cap water damage on older homes. We covered that in Is Your Water Damage Coverage Only $10,000?

Remember: Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover Flood

Rising water from heavy rain or storm surge is flood, and a standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover it. Flood coverage is a separate policy, or in some cases an endorsement. NFIP flood policies generally take 30 days to start, so it’s not something to buy when the next storm shows up in the forecast. Our flood insurance guide walks through the options. If you’re insured with Citizens, note that its flood requirement expands to homes of every value starting with new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2027 (condo unit-owner and renters policies are exempt) (details here).

For Families With More to Protect

If your home, savings and family have grown, your coverage should keep up:

  • Jewelry, art, watches and collectibles. Standard policies limit theft coverage for many valuables. Scheduling items separately can give broader coverage.
  • Personal umbrella liability. Teen drivers, a pool, a dock or a busy social calendar all add liability exposure. An umbrella policy adds a layer above your home and auto limits.
  • Wind mitigation credits. Florida insurers must offer discounts or deductible credits for qualifying hurricane-resistant features (section 627.0629). If you’ve added impact windows, a new roof or roof straps, make sure your insurer has a current wind mitigation report.

Let’s Review It Together

McGriff-Williams has helped North Central and Northeast Florida families with their insurance since 1983. As an independent agency, we compare options from multiple insurance companies for you, and we’ll explain your options in plain English. Call us at (352) 371-7977, stop by 3501 West University Ave. in Gainesville, or request a quote or policy review.

General information, not legal or coverage advice. Coverage depends on the policy issued, its terms and underwriting. Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with your agent or insurer. McGriff-Williams Insurance is an independent insurance agency licensed in Florida.

Is Your Water Damage Coverage Only $10,000? What Owners of Older Florida Homes Should Know

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Blog, Home Insurance |

Gainesville has plenty of mid-century and 1970s and ’80s homes. If you own one, check how your policy handles water damage. Many Florida insurers now cap water damage on older homes, often at $10,000.

Why Older Homes Often Have Water Caps

Most water claims start inside the house: a failed supply line, water heater, or pipe in the wall. Plumbing wears out with age, so insurers look closely at it.

Depending on the company, homes around 40 years old and older are often written with a limited water damage endorsement. It pays for sudden leaks only up to a set amount, commonly $10,000, sometimes including tear-out to reach the leak. The age cutoff and how strict it is vary by company.

On many older homes, buying a higher limit isn’t always an option. If the original plumbing is still in place, some companies will only offer the capped coverage, whatever you’re willing to pay.

Plumbing Updates That Usually Matter

Updates can open up more choices. Insurers generally look at:

  • A full re-pipe. Replacing older supply lines, especially galvanized or polybutylene pipe, is often the biggest single factor.
  • A newer water heater. Age and location both get looked at.
  • Updated supply lines to sinks, toilets, and appliances.

Results aren’t guaranteed. Some companies may remove the cap or offer higher limits after major plumbing work, and others may not. Documenting the work gives you the best chance.

Keep Your Paperwork

Insurers usually want proof. Keep:

  • A 4-point inspection. Many older Florida homes need one. It reviews the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
  • Plumber invoices showing what was replaced and when.
  • Permits, where the work required one.

Updated your plumbing but still see a $10,000 limit? It may be worth a fresh review.

Newer Homes: Usually No Water Limit, Unless You Choose One

On newer homes, there’s typically no separate water damage limit. Covered water damage is insured up to your full dwelling limit (Coverage A). A cap usually only shows up if you choose one. Some companies offer a lower water limit, such as $10,000, in exchange for a premium credit. That can be a reasonable way to save, but understand the trade-off first. One bad leak can cost more than years of savings.

The 14-Day Hidden Leak Rule

Many Florida policies also exclude damage from water that leaked or seeped over a long period, often 14 days or more. A slow leak behind a wall is treated as maintenance, not a sudden accident. Wording varies. Check under sinks and around the water heater now and then.

Florida law gives you one year from the date of loss to give your insurer notice of a new claim (s. 627.70132, F.S.). Still, report water damage promptly.

Preventing Water Damage With a Leak Detection Device

A leak detection device can stop a small problem from becoming a big claim. There are two main types:

  1. Alarm or sensor-only units. Small sensors near the water heater, washer, or sinks sound an alarm or send an alert to your phone when they detect water. Someone still has to act.
  2. Automatic whole-home shut-off valves. Installed on your main water line, these shut off the water when they detect a leak or unusual flow.

A shut-off valve is the stronger protection, because it stops the water even when nobody’s home. That matters when you’re traveling or own a second home. Systems range from simple DIY sensors to professionally installed valves.

Some companies offer premium credits for these devices, sometimes with a larger credit for automatic shut-off. Requirements, such as professional installation, vary. On an older home, a shut-off valve can help show lower risk. It won’t necessarily remove a water cap.

Water Damage, Water Backup, and Flood Are Different

  1. Water damage means sudden leaks from plumbing, appliances, or AC. This is what may be capped on older homes, or by choice on newer ones.
  2. Water backup and sump overflow means water coming up through drains or sewer lines. It’s usually excluded unless you add an endorsement, often with a $5,000 default limit.
  3. Flood means rising surface water. It needs a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Florida law requires a flood warning on declarations pages for policies that exclude it (s. 627.7011, F.S.), and Citizens is phasing in a flood requirement (Florida CFO).

How to Check Your Declarations Page

On the summary page at the front of your policy, look for:

  • An endorsement with “limited water,” “water damage,” or “tear-out” in the title, and its dollar amount
  • A “water backup” or “sump overflow” line and its limit
  • Your all other perils (AOP) deductible, which usually applies to water claims

The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Homeowners’ Insurance Toolkit includes a sample declarations page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just pay more to raise my water limit?
It depends on the company and your home’s plumbing. On many older homes with original plumbing, higher limits may not be available until major updates are made.

Does my homeowners policy cover flooding?
No. Flood needs a separate policy, and water backup usually needs its own endorsement.

Can a leak detection device lower my premium?
Some companies offer credits, especially for automatic shut-off valves. Ask when you review your policy.

Let’s Look at Your Policy Together

At McGriff-Williams Insurance, we’ve helped Gainesville-area families with their coverage since 1983. As an independent agency, we can compare your current policy side by side with options from multiple carriers. Each company handles older homes and plumbing updates in its own way, so the options can differ more than you’d expect.

Call us at (352) 371-7977 or stop by 3501 W University Ave, Gainesville. Bring your declarations page, plumbing invoices or inspection reports, and details on any leak detection device, and we’ll go through them with you.

Sources

This article is general information, not a statement of coverage. Your policy’s terms, conditions, and endorsements control. Coverage options vary by company and are subject to underwriting.

The Home and Auto Bundle is Back! And Florida Homeowners Need to Pay Attention

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance, McGriff-Williams News, Tips |

Hand holding a small model house with home and auto insurance icons

If you’ve been in Florida for the last several years and tried to bundle your home and auto insurance, you already know the frustration. It just wasn’t possible — or if it was, the savings were barely worth mentioning. That era is officially over.

The home-auto bundle is back in Florida, and for homeowners looking to cut costs without sacrificing coverage, the timing could not be better.

So what happened? A quick background:

To understand why the bundle disappeared, you have to get what actually happened to Florida’s insurance market over the past decade.

Florida homeowners insurance became one of the most volatile and expensive markets in the country. Rampant litigation, roof replacement and solicitation scams, repeated hurricane seasons, and reinsurance costs drove carrier after carrier either out of the state entirely or into insolvency. The companies that remained standing were often Florida-only or regionally focused carriers — built specifically to write homeowners insurance in a difficult coastal environment. They had no auto product to even offer.

On the flip side, the big national carriers that do write auto insurance — your Progressives, GEICOs, State Farms — either stopped writing new homeowners policies in Florida altogether or severely restricted their risk appetite. Without a competitive home product to pair with auto, the bundle simply didn’t exist.

The result? Florida homeowners were left piecing together coverage from two separate carriers, losing the multi-policy discount that used to be one of the easiest savings out there.
How does it look now?

Thankfully, the market has started to stabilize. Legislative reforms in recent years have reduced frivolous litigation, and several national carriers have re-entered or expanded their Florida footprint. At the same time, Florida-based and regional home carriers have gotten creative.

The bundling opportunity is back in two ways:

1. National Carriers Writing Both Lines Again

Some of the larger multi-line carriers have returned to writing homeowners in Florida with more appetite than they’ve shown in years. That means true bundling is back on the table with a single carrier — one policy, one bill, and a genuine multi-policy discount on both your home and your auto.

2. “Auto in Agency” Discounts Through Florida-Specific Carriers

Here’s a little more interesting development: even home insurance companies that still don’t write their own auto policies have started offering a discount just for having your auto insurance placed through the same agency. Some call it an “auto in agency” discount. Others have partnered with auto carriers specifically to facilitate the arrangement.

The logic from the carrier’s perspective is that if a customer trusts the same agent with both their home and auto, they are statistically less likely to file excessive claims and more likely to stay long-term. Loyalty being rewarded.

How much savings are we talking about?

The discount range can vary by carrier and policy, but bundling or qualifying for an “auto in agency” arrangement can potentially save homeowners anywhere from 5-15% on their homeowners premium. In a market where Florida home insurance costs have climbed sharply over the past few years, that percentage represents real money.

Example: For a homeowner paying $4,000-$6,000 a year in insurance premiums — which is not unusual in Florida — a 10% discount is $400-$600 back in your pocket annually. When you add the multi-policy discount that may also apply to the auto side, the combined savings can be substantial.

Should you look into it?

Yes. Really any Florida homeowner should. But this is especially relevant if you fall into any of these categories:

• You haven’t reviewed your insurance in more than 12–18 months
• Your home and auto are currently with two completely separate carriers and/or agents
• Your homeowners premium has increased significantly at renewal and you haven’t shopped alternatives
• You recently moved to Florida and are still figuring out how insurance works here
• You’re a first-time homeowner who set up coverage at closing and never revisited it

The market has changed enough that even if you looked at bundling two years ago and found nothing, it’s worth another conversation today.

The Bottom Line

Florida’s insurance market has been painful for homeowners. But the story has started to change. Carriers are coming back, discounts that vanished for years may be available again, and for the first time in a while, there is a real opportunity to review your home and auto together and come out ahead. If you haven’t had that conversation recently, now is a good time.

Making sure your home is properly covered for a disaster

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Home Insurance, Tips |

How to avoid being underinsured

For many people, their home is their greatest asset, so it is crucial to avoid being underinsured. To properly insure your home, it is important to ask your insurance professional four key questions.

  1. Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?

Your policy needs to cover the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs. Unfortunately, some homeowners simply purchase enough insurance protection to satisfy their mortgage lender. Others confuse the real estate value of their home with what it would cost to rebuild it.

  1. Do I have enough insurance to replace all of my possessions?

Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for your personal possessions for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. If you have $100,000 worth of coverage on the structure of your home, you would be covered for $50,000 to $70,000 worth of the contents of your home, depending on the policy.

The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory, which details everything you own and the estimated cost to replace these items if they are stolen or destroyed by a disaster.

  1. Do I have enough coverage for additional living expenses?

Coverage for additional living expenses pays the extra costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can’t live in it due to an insured disaster such as a hurricane. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals, transportation and other living expenses incurred while your home is inaccessible or being rebuilt.

  1. Do I have enough insurance to protect my assets?

Although not a key element in disaster planning, it is also important to have adequate liability protection. This covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or your family members may cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by pets.

Your answers to these 4 questions will give you a good idea if your home is properly covered.  Don’t wait until it’s too late to know if your home insurance policy will cover your home and its possessions.

Source:  https://www.iii.org/article/making-sure-your-home-properly-covered-disaster

Homeowners Insurance – A Guide to Dwelling, Personal Property, Liability, and Additional Living Expenses

Posted on by McGriff Williams in Home Insurance, Tips |

Navigating home insurance can sometimes feel overwhelming, but understanding it is essential for protecting one of your most significant investments—your home. Many homeowners often find themselves confused by the specifics of coverage, which can lead to costly gaps if not addressed. Home insurance typically includes four key areas: dwelling coverage, personal property protection, liability, and additional living expenses. Homeowners must understand what each type covers and assess whether they need these protections in their home insurance policy.

Dwelling Coverage

At the heart of your home insurance policy is dwelling coverage. This is the part that protects the physical structure of your home—everything from the walls and roof to the floors and built-in appliances. If disaster strikes—think fire, lightning, vandalism, or severe weather—this coverage helps you repair or rebuild your home.

How Much Dwelling Coverage Do You Really Need?

Finding the right amount of dwelling coverage is essential. You want to ensure you have enough to completely rebuild your home if needed. This isn’t necessarily the same as your home’s market value; it’s based on how much it would cost to rebuild. The following tips may help you with making this decision.

Get a Professional Appraisal: A professional can give you an accurate estimate of your home’s rebuilding cost.

Understand Local Building Costs: Research what it costs to build a home in your area, as this can vary widely.

Factor in Upgrades: If you’ve made any renovations or have unique features, make sure those are accounted for in your coverage.

Review Regularly: Life changes, and so do your home’s needs. Regularly check your coverage to ensure it matches your home’s value.

What’s Not Covered?

While dwelling coverage is pretty comprehensive, there are some things it typically doesn’t cover.  Understanding this in advance is essential, as it allows you to decide whether to consider adding coverage for these events.

Flood Damage: You’ll need separate flood insurance for that.

Earthquake Damage: Like floods, earthquakes often require additional coverage.

Maintenance Issues: Damage due to lack of upkeep, like mold or pest infestations, usually won’t be covered.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage protects your belongings. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and more. If something happens—like theft or fire—this coverage helps you replace those items.

How Much Personal Property Coverage Do You Need?

The following steps will assist you with determining what personal property you own and its approximate value. Once you have this figured out you can decide how much it would cost you to replace if something happens to it.

Inventory Your Belongings: Keep a list of your possessions and their estimated value. This could be a spreadsheet or a handy app designed for home inventory.

Replacement Costs vs. Actual Cash Value: Make sure you know if your policy offers actual cash value or replacement cost coverage. Actual cash value takes into consideration the depreciation of your goods meaning you could receive less than the amount you spent when you purchased the items.  Replacement costs coverage pays the amount you spent on the items at the time of purchase.

High-Value Items: If you have expensive items like jewelry or collectibles, consider getting valuable items insurance.  These items are typically not covered by standard personal property insurance.

Business Property: If you run a business from home, your business equipment may not be covered under standard personal property insurance. You may need to consider extra coverage for these items.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a critical safety net that protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. This coverage helps with legal fees, medical expenses, and any settlements that may arise.

Liability coverage is essential for several reasons

Accidents Happen: Even the most cautious homeowners can face lawsuits due to unexpected events.

Protection Against Legal Fees: Legal expenses can add up quickly, and liability coverage can help cover those costs.

Sense of Security: Knowing you have this coverage allows you to enjoy your home without constant worry.

How Much Liability Coverage Do You Need?

Most home insurance policies offer liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider higher limits. Here’s how to decide:

Your Assets: If you have significant assets, higher liability limits can help protect them.

Risk Factors: If you frequently host gatherings or have a pool, you may want to increase your coverage.

Umbrella Policies: For extra protection, consider an umbrella policy that provides additional liability coverage beyond your home insurance limits.

Additional Living Expenses Coverage

Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, also known as loss of use coverage, helps cover the costs of living elsewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt after a covered loss. This includes hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other necessary expenses that go beyond your normal living costs.

Why is ALE Coverage Important?

ALE coverage is a lifesaver for several reasons:

Avoids Financial Strain: If your home becomes uninhabitable, this coverage helps you maintain a similar standard of living without breaking the bank.

Temporary Housing Solutions: ALE can cover costs associated with staying in a hotel or renting a place while your home is being fixed.

Essential Expenses: It can also help with essential expenses like transportation and laundry while you’re displaced.

How Much ALE Coverage Do You Need?

The amount of ALE coverage you need will depend on a few factors:

Duration of Repairs: Consider how long it might take to repair your home based on its size and the extent of the damage.

Local Cost of Living: The cost of living in your area can greatly affect how much ALE coverage is necessary.

Policy Limits: Review your insurance policy to understand the limits of ALE coverage, as some policies have specific timeframes or dollar amounts.

What’s Not Covered?

While ALE coverage is helpful, there are limitations:

Non-Covered Events: If your home is damaged due to an event not covered by your policy, ALE won’t apply.

Normal Living Expenses: ALE is intended for expenses that exceed your normal living costs, so regular bills like your mortgage typically won’t be covered.

Understanding home insurance coverage is vital for protecting your home and belongings. By getting familiar with dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, liability coverage, and additional living expenses coverage, you can make informed choices and ensure you have the right protection in place.

With this knowledge in hand, you can approach your home insurance policy with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared for any unexpected challenges that might come your way. Protect your investment, safeguard your belongings, and enjoy the security that comes with comprehensive homeowners insurance coverage.