A homeowners insurance renewal can change more than the premium. Coverage limits, deductibles, endorsements, and other policy terms may differ from the expiring policy, and those differences may affect how the policy responds after a loss. Reviewing each renewal carefully is worthwhile for Florida homeowners, especially with hurricane season running June 1 through November 30.
This home insurance renewal checklist covers six items for Florida homeowners to review every year: renewal notices, dwelling coverage, deductibles, flood coverage, wind mitigation credits, and endorsements and liability limits. Every policy differs, and the actual insurance contract controls coverage.
1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Renewal Notice
Start by reviewing the documents your insurer sends before your policy expires. The Florida Department of Financial Services states that insurers generally must provide at least 45 days’ written notice of the renewal premium and any changes in policy terms.
Read the notice carefully, since paying the renewal premium generally means you accept the updated terms.
A renewal is different from a nonrenewal. A nonrenewal ends coverage when the policy expires and generally requires at least 120 days’ written notice, subject to certain exceptions.
2. Confirm Your Dwelling Coverage Matches Rebuilding Costs
Dwelling coverage, or Coverage A, helps pay to repair or rebuild your home after a covered loss, subject to policy terms and limits. Because construction costs change, your current limit may no longer reflect today’s rebuilding costs.
The Florida Department of Financial Services notes that many replacement cost policies require coverage equal to a percentage of the home’s replacement value, often 80 percent. If your coverage falls below the required amount, you may have to pay part of a partial loss yourself.
For example, if your home’s estimated replacement cost is $400,000 and the policy requires 80 percent coverage, you would generally need at least $320,000 in dwelling coverage.
Learn more about coverage options on John Perry Insurance’s homeowners insurance page. Condo owners can also review the condominium insurance page.
3. Check Your Hurricane and Standard Deductibles
Florida homeowners policies may have separate deductibles for hurricane losses and other covered perils.
The Florida Department of Financial Services states that hurricane deductible options may include $500, 2%, 5%, or 10% of the dwelling limit, subject to certain exceptions.
For a home with $400,000 in dwelling coverage:
- 2% deductible = $8,000
- 5% deductible = $20,000
- 10% deductible = $40,000
Because percentage-based deductibles can increase as your dwelling limit rises, review both deductibles at renewal and ask whether other options are available.
4. Ask Whether You Have Flood Coverage
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. The Florida Department of Financial Services notes that separate flood insurance is generally required for damage caused by rising water, including inland or tidal flooding and surface water runoff.
FEMA states that National Flood Insurance Program policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, with limited exceptions.
Review your flood coverage before storm season. John Perry Insurance’s flood insurance page explains available flood insurance options.
5. Review Wind Mitigation Credits
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation states that certain wind mitigation features may qualify homeowners for insurance discounts.
These features are documented on the OIR-B1-1802 Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, which may remain valid for up to five years if no material changes or inaccuracies are found. An updated form took effect on April 1, 2026.
If your inspection is several years old, ask your agent whether it is still current and whether you may qualify for available wind mitigation credits.
6. Review Endorsements, Personal Property, and Liability Coverage
Some homeowners policies place special limits on valuables such as jewelry, art, cameras, antiques, and firearms. Additional protection may be available through an endorsement. Sewer backup coverage may also require a separate endorsement.
Review your liability limits as well, especially if your assets or household risks have changed. You may also want to explore umbrella insurance for added liability protection.
If you are reviewing multiple policies at renewal, John Perry Insurance’s auto insurance page can help with vehicle coverage too.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance Renewal Before the Policy Expires
A careful homeowners insurance renewal review may help Florida homeowners understand what is changing before the new policy term begins, covering the notices, limits, deductibles, flood coverage, mitigation credits, and endorsements that may affect a future claim.
John Perry Insurance is an independent insurance agency with more than 35 years of experience helping Florida families and businesses find personal and commercial coverage. Because our agency is independent, John Perry Insurance can quote and compare coverage options from multiple insurance carriers. An experienced local independent agency can help policyholders better understand their coverage at renewal.
This article is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or insurance advice.
