Understanding Your Florida Homeowners Insurance Declarations Page

Your declarations page (often called the "dec page") is the one-page summary at the front of your homeowners policy. It tells you what is covered, for how much, and what you will pay out of pocket after a loss. Learning to read it takes ten minutes and can save you from expensive surprises after a storm.

Policy Period and Named Insureds

Start at the top. Confirm the policy period dates are current and that every owner listed on the deed appears as a named insured. If you have a mortgage, your lender should be listed as mortgagee. Errors here can delay a claim payment, so fix them before you ever need to file.

The Coverage Letters Explained

Florida homeowners policies break coverage into lettered sections:

• Coverage A (Dwelling): Rebuild cost of the home itself. This should reflect today's construction costs in Brevard County, not your purchase price or market value.
• Coverage B (Other Structures): Detached garages, sheds, fences, and pool screens. Usually 2% to 10% of Coverage A.
• Coverage C (Personal Property): Your belongings. Check whether it pays replacement cost or actual cash value.
• Coverage D (Loss of Use): Hotel and living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
• Coverage E and F (Liability and Medical Payments): Protection if someone is injured on your property.

Your Two Deductibles

Florida policies almost always show two deductibles. The standard deductible (often $1,000 to $2,500) applies to most claims. The hurricane deductible is a percentage of Coverage A, typically 2% to 5%, and applies only to named hurricane damage. On a $350,000 dwelling limit, a 2% hurricane deductible means the first $7,000 of storm damage is yours. Know that number before June.

Endorsements, Exclusions, and Discounts

The dec page also lists endorsements (additions like water backup or screened enclosure coverage), exclusions, and the discounts you are receiving. If you do not see a wind mitigation credit and your home has a newer roof or hurricane protection, you may be leaving real money on the table. A wind mitigation inspection usually pays for itself in the first year.

When to Review It

Read your dec page at every renewal, after any remodel, and after any major purchase. If a number does not make sense, ask. As an independent agency, we review declarations pages for Brevard County homeowners every day and can tell you quickly whether your coverage matches your home.

Want a second set of eyes on your policy? Contact Anchor & Atlas Insurance for a free declarations page review, or request a quote to compare your current coverage.