At Harrell Agency Services, we have the privilege of helping a lot of families transition to this beautiful state that I have called home my whole life! I would say about 40% of our clients are either snowbirds or someone moving from a different state or country and coming to Florida. They are usually surprised at how odd the insurance industry is here in the Sunshine State! Here are a few things that someone should know about their insurance when they just moved to Florida...
Get That Wallet Out
I once heard someone say, “Florida doesn't have a state income tax, we have insurance payments!” While this isn't always the case, I would plan on spending more on home insurance (thanks to the threat of hurricanes and flooding) and car insurance (find out why below) when you move to Florida. But if you're buying a newer home, the cost might not be that much more than what you are paying elsewhere.
Personal Injury Protection
Currently, only 12 states require PIP coverage. So odds are that you are coming from a state that doesn't have a PIP coverage. Personal Injury Protection is a coverage for medical expenses and in some cases lost wages as a result of an automobile accident. This coverage always pays first in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Because of this added coverage that most states don't have, you can expect your auto insurance to be more expensive here in Florida.
Hurricane Coverage Ain't No Big Deal!
I recently wrote a policy for a gentleman that lived up north and had been in the insurance industry for over 40 years. When I first spoke to him, his biggest concern was whether he was going to be able to get hurricane coverage on the home he was in the process of purchasing. To me it was shocking! “Of course I can get you hurricane coverage,” I told him. If you are moving here from out of state, don't worry about it! Usually it's not really a big ordeal to have hurricane coverage in Florida, especially if you live in Central Florida. More times than not, it is included on your policy. If you are looking to purchase a home within a few miles of the coast, it can be quite a bit costlier, but it is still feasible to purchase hurricane coverage, even on the coast.
If you are new to Florida, don't sweat it – pun intended! If you are concerned about insurance in Florida, don't worry about it – just get some quotes prior to the move. Insurance can be a lot different here, but we also have a lot of good agents (like yours truly) to help you navigate the differences. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask! We're proud to be your go-to insurance agent in Central Florida.
