Great Florida Insurance - Alicia Graham

A standard Florida homeowners policy covers four areas: the dwelling, other structures, personal property, and liability — plus loss of use if your home becomes uninhabitable. Flood damage is excluded and requires a separate flood policy . In coastal Fort Myers, FL, expect a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible.

Florida law does not require homeowners insurance, but mortgage lenders do — every lender mandates coverage at least equal to the loan balance. Even owners without a mortgage should carry it, because hurricane, fire, and theft losses in Fort Myers are not recoverable without a policy.

Florida homeowners insurance rates in Fort Myers are based on six factors: location, construction type, roof age, prior claims history, coverage limits, and deductibles. In coastal Fort Myers, wind mitigation features such as hurricane shutters, impact windows, and roof tie-downs can reduce premiums by 10–45%.

No — flood damage is never covered by a standard homeowners policy. You need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood carrier to cover rising water, storm surge, and inland flooding.

The five most effective ways to lower a Florida homeowners premium in Fort Myers are: bundle home and auto, complete a wind mitigation inspection, raise your deductible, maintain a strong credit score, and compare quotes from multiple carriers. Ask your local Fort Myers agent about roof age credits and monitored security system discounts that can further reduce your rate.

Florida law requires every driver to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). Most Fort Myers, FL drivers should add Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect personal assets in a serious accident.

Yes — Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is available on every GreatFlorida® auto policy in Fort Myers, FL. UM/UIM pays for your injuries and lost wages when an at-fault driver carries no insurance or insufficient limits, a common gap in Florida where roughly 1 in 5 drivers is uninsured.

In most cases yes — your liability and collision coverage extend to U.S. rental vehicles, though specifics vary by carrier. Confirm rental reimbursement limits and out-of-country coverage with your local GreatFlorida® Auto Insurance Agent before you travel.

A DUI in Florida typically raises auto insurance premiums by 70–150% and triggers an FR-44 filing requirement for three years. Premiums gradually return to standard rates after roughly five years of clean driving.

Auto claims are filed directly with your insurance carrier by phone or through the carrier’s app. The carrier assigns an adjuster who manages repairs, medical payments under PIP, and rental reimbursement, with local support in Fort Myers, FL. Your local GreatFlorida® Insurance Agent can guide you through the process and follow up on the claim.

An HO-6 condo policy covers everything inside your unit: interior walls, improvements, personal property, loss of use, and personal liability. Your association’s master policy covers the building shell, roof, and shared spaces. Always review your association bylaws for the exact split of responsibilities.

Yes — hurricane and windstorm damage is covered by an HO-6 policy, subject to a separate wind deductible. In exposed coastal areas of Fort Myers, FL, your agent may recommend a dedicated wind-only policy for better terms and lower premiums.