Quick Summary

• Dwelling Coverage: Protects the structure of your home
• Personal Property: Covers your belongings
• Liability: Provides protection if someone is injured or you cause accidental damage
• Additional Living Expenses: Pays for temporary housing if your home becomes unlivable

At Cornerstone Insurance Advisors in Jupiter, FL, we help homeowners across Palm Beach County understand what their policy actually covers—because in Florida, the details matter. Between hurricanes, strict building codes, and flood risks, it’s important to know what’s included, what’s excluded, and where you may need extra protection.

What Florida Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers

1. Dwelling Coverage (Your Home Itself)

This protects the physical structure of your home—walls, roof, floors, cabinets, and more. In Florida, this often includes hurricane wind coverage, but your policy may come with a hurricane or windstorm deductible that is separate from your standard deductible. These deductibles often range from 2% to 10% of your home’s insured value.

Example: If your home is insured for $500,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you would pay the first $10,000 of a covered hurricane wind loss.

Florida also has strict building codes—especially in Palm Beach County—requiring features like impact-rated windows, reinforced roof-to-wall connections, and proper roof deck attachment. These upgrades can not only protect your home but may also qualify for insurance discounts.

2. Personal Property Coverage (Your Belongings)

This protects items like furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and more if they’re damaged by a covered event. In many cases, coverage limits can be increased depending on your needs.

Tip: If you have jewelry, high-end electronics, or collectibles, Cornerstone Insurance Advisors can help you schedule valuable items for better protection.

3. Personal Liability Coverage

Liability insurance protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. This can include medical bills, legal fees, and settlement costs.

Learn more here: Personal Liability Insurance

4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss—such as fire or wind damage—ALE helps pay for temporary housing, meals, and extra living costs while repairs are underway.

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What Florida Homeowners Insurance Does NOT Cover

1. Flood Damage (Including Storm Surge)

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings for Florida residents. Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding—from storm surge, tidal waters, or heavy rainfall that accumulates outside your home and seeps in.

Flood coverage requires a separate policy. As a coastal community, many Jupiter and Palm Beach County residents benefit from having dedicated flood insurance.

Learn more: Flood Insurance

2. Maintenance or Wear and Tear

Homeowners insurance won’t cover issues caused by neglect or unavoidable aging. This includes:

• Mold from long-term moisture
• Old or poorly maintained roofs
• Gradual plumbing leaks
• Termite damage

Insurance is designed for sudden, accidental damage—not routine upkeep. At Cornerstone Insurance Advisors, we often help clients understand which repairs are maintenance vs. insurable claims.

3. Certain Wind Exclusions

Some insurance carriers include windstorm exclusions, especially for homes near the coast or older homes without hurricane-resistant features. This means wind damage may not be covered at all unless you add back the optional wind coverage.

If you’re unsure, our team in Jupiter can help review your current policy and identify any gaps.

4. Roof Claims Depending on Roof Age

Florida insurers have become much stricter about roof coverage. Some policies only provide actual cash value for older roofs, which means depreciation is subtracted from the claim payout. Others exclude certain roof types once they reach a specific age.

Before hurricane season, it’s smart to let Cornerstone Insurance Advisors review your roof coverage to ensure you’re properly protected.

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Real Florida Scenarios to Know

• Hurricane Wind vs. Flood: If wind breaks a window and rain enters, that’s wind damage. If storm surge pushes water into your home, that’s flood damage—and not covered by homeowners insurance.
• Palm Beach County Building Requirements: Homes must follow strict wind-mitigation standards. Upgrading your home can often lower your premiums.
• Roof Claims: After a storm, insurers may pay to repair or replace roof sections only if damage was caused by a covered peril.

Cornerstone Insurance Advisors helps Jupiter homeowners understand these nuances so there are no surprises when a claim happens.

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Want Help Understanding Your Policy?

Your home is your biggest investment—especially here in coastal Florida. Cornerstone Insurance Advisors is here to help you navigate coverage options and ensure you’re protected from the risks unique to our area.

Learn more: Homeowners Insurance

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