[Grass Is Greener]

Where can I find information on home insurance rates and how much one is expected to pay? I've read a lot about rate hikes, companies leaving the state, etc, but wanted to see some numbers to know how expensive the premiums are.

[sunshine girl]

Don't know of a web site you can find quotes on homeowners insurance like you seem to be looking for. When we first moved here, I contacted the local agent for the company we had used for many years and asked him what I should be looking for before we bought. Some of what he advised was the newer the better for lower rates. Post Andrew the building codes got stricter to help minimize hurricane damage. Also look for hip roofs, better in wind. Wood frame is a no no, need to have block construction, both for wind and fire resistance. Being closer to a city hydrant lowers your rate sometimes too. I would strongly advise anyone to shop for insurance before buying a house. Lots of folks have trouble because they buy first, and then find out they can only get the higher state insurance. You will have a harder time getting lower rates with an older house. Rates vary from location to location also. Same w/auto. Miami and Tampa are the highest rates for auto according to my agent. Based on statistics. I have a house built in 2000, hip roof, block construction and pay $1400./yr as of last month when I paid the current years bill. I also know that this is not average. My point is to do your homework as much as possible before committing by buying. I chose to pay $300 for a years worth of flood insurance also. We are probably the only ones in the area that have it, but it allows me to sleep at night. We are on a pond/lake and homeowners does not cover flood damage, doesn't matter if flood is from ocean, lake, river water. We also have a pool, and I have visions of flooding from that in a hurricane also. Well, I hope any of this is helpful to you, I know it's not the specific information you were actually asking for.

[Jewels36]

Good info, Sunshine girl.

When we bought our house in Texas, I went to the website for the state insurance department. I was able to but in the area I was purchasing and a list popped up telling what companies insure that area, their ratings, what type of policies they offered and their estimated rates. I wonder if the state of Florida has anything like that on their insurance website? I haven't checked but it would probably be a good place to start.

[mich2fla]

Originally Posted by sunshine girl

Don't know of a web site you can find quotes on homeowners insurance like you seem to be looking for. When we first moved here, I contacted the local agent for the company we had used for many years and asked him what I should be looking for before we bought. Some of what he advised was the newer the better for lower rates. Post Andrew the building codes got stricter to help minimize hurricane damage. Also look for hip roofs, better in wind. Wood frame is a no no, need to have block construction, both for wind and fire resistance. Being closer to a city hydrant lowers your rate sometimes too. I would strongly advise anyone to shop for insurance before buying a house. Lots of folks have trouble because they buy first, and then find out they can only get the higher state insurance. You will have a harder time getting lower rates with an older house. Rates vary from location to location also. Same w/auto. Miami and Tampa are the highest rates for auto according to my agent. Based on statistics. I have a house built in 2000, hip roof, block construction and pay $1400./yr as of last month when I paid the current years bill. I also know that this is not average. My point is to do your homework as much as possible before committing by buying. I chose to pay $300 for a years worth of flood insurance also. We are probably the only ones in the area that have it, but it allows me to sleep at night. We are on a pond/lake and homeowners does not cover flood damage, doesn't matter if flood is from ocean, lake, river water. We also have a pool, and I have visions of flooding from that in a hurricane also. Well, I hope any of this is helpful to you, I know it's not the specific information you were actually asking for.

Great tips! I have heard to get homeowners quotes before putting in an offer. That way you won't be so surprised.