4 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in Jacksonville (2023) – Pas Trusted News

Top 4 Home Insurance Providers in Jacksonville

We chose the following providers as the best companies offering homeowners insurance in Jacksonville:

According to 2023 homeowners insurance data from Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Jacksonville is $2,369, which is slightly less than the national average of $2,417. The average annual cost of home insurance in Florida is $2,528.

 

Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Jacksonville

According to data from Quadrant Information Services, the average homeowners policy in Jacksonville is $2,369, which is lower than the state average of $2,528. There are several reasons for the city’s lower pricing, including its relatively sheltered location at the northern end of the state. On the other hand, crime rates may contribute to higher premiums in specific areas of the city.

Keep in mind that a standard homeowners insurance policy will likely not include flood insurance. While you can purchase separate coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you will incur an added cost that is not included in the above averages.

However, every company uses different underwriting criteria to determine how much home insurance costs. Requesting a free quote is the best way to see how much homeowners insurance will cost. Use our free tool to get rates from top companies.

What Factors Affect Home Insurance Rates in Jacksonville?

General factors that impact Jacksonville home insurance rates include:

  • Property location: Florida has some of the highest risks for natural disasters in the U.S., and homeowners insurance rates generally reflect this. Hurricanes can cause damage due to high winds, excessive rains and flooding tides. Severe thunderstorms with hail and tornadoes are additional threats to homes in the Jacksonville area. Property crime rates within the city further increase risk and can consequently increase premiums.
  • Dwelling size: Home insurance premiums are somewhat based on your home’s square footage. Typically, larger homes cost more to insure because they cost more to rebuild. Therefore, rates for a small home may be lower than those for a large dwelling in the same neighborhood.
  • Home age: Age comes into play when determining premiums because older materials often show signs of wear that can compromise their integrity. For example, a 15-year-old roof is more likely to need a full replacement after a storm than a new roof installed with impact-resistant materials.
  • Construction materials: Construction materials directly affect home insurance rates. Certain materials are resistant to fires or impacts, making homes less likely to sustain damage. Construction materials also vary in cost, which can affect your home’s estimated replacement value.
  • Updates and renovations: Major updates and renovations can increase the value of your home and its replacement cost. Discussing remodeling plans with your insurance agent can help ensure you have sufficient coverage in place.
  • Pets: Certain types of pets can increase your insurance risk and therefore your rates. For instance, many major carriers have restrictions on certain dog breeds or livestock, including horses.
  • Credit score: A strong credit history indicates a policyholder’s ability to manage finances and is often rewarded with lower home insurance rates.
  • Claims history: Your claims history is an indicator of how likely you are to file a claim in the future. Homeowners with multiple past claims appear as a higher risk than those with a claims-free past. Many insurance providers offer discounts for remaining claims free.
  • Policy structure: The structure of a home insurance policy, including coverage limits, endorsements and payment frequency, affects how much it costs.
  • Security and safety features: Installing home security, fire safety and connected home features can make your home safer. As a result, policyholders who invest in these measures often pay lower rates.

Common Causes of Home Insurance Claims in Jacksonville

Florida has a high risk for natural disasters. Hurricanes frequently affect the state, bringing high winds, torrential rains and flood waters — all of which are the most common home claims filed in the state. Wildfires are another concern for residents of Florida.

Purchasing adequate insurance protection, including a separate flood insurance policy where warranted, can help mitigate the risks of living in Jacksonville. Installing security devices, fire alarms and automatic sprinklers can also increase home safety.

Recommended Home Insurance Coverage in Jacksonville

Most standard home insurance policies include similar types of coverage, including:

  • Dwelling: This coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home after a covered peril, such as fire, vandalism or a windstorm. Generally, you should have enough dwelling coverage to pay to fully rebuild your home.
  • Additional structures: This provides coverage for additional buildings and structures on your property, such as sheds, detached garages and fences. Limits are typically a percentage of your policy’s dwelling coverage.
  • Personal property coverage: This pays to repair or replace your personal belongings that become lost or damaged in a covered event. In most cases, protection also applies to your property if it’s not in your home. For example, your policy may cover a cell phone stolen from your parked car.
  • Loss of use: This portion of a policy pays for additional living expenses, including hotels and meals, if your home is unlivable after a covered event.
  • Liability: Liability insurance can help cover legal fees and damages if someone is hurt on your property or you cause property damage.
  • Medical payments: This insurance pays for some injuries of third parties that happen on your property, generally regardless of liability.

A standard HO-3 policy covers most basic home insurance needs. However, because of the unique risks of living in Jacksonville, we also recommend investing in the following extra coverage options:

  • Flood insurance: Flood insurance protects your home from water damage caused by severe weather and pump failures. New state regulations require individuals insured with the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan to carry flood insurance. Otherwise, purchasing flood coverage is optional. Most homeowners who opt for flood protection purchase it through the NFIP. However, select private insurers also underwrite flood coverage in the state.
  • Hurricane protection: You can protect your property from hurricane damage by adding optional coverage for high wind, hail and water damage — all three of which are high on the list of natural disasters common in Jacksonville.
  • Replacement cost coverage: Rising construction costs, especially in the wake of natural disasters, can leave homeowners underinsured. Opting for full replacement cost coverage eliminates this risk by paying to replace items at the current market value.

The Bottom Line on Home Insurance in Jacksonville

Jacksonville homeowners face certain risks, such as weather- and theft-related damage, that the right home insurance policy can help mitigate. Liberty Mutual offers comprehensive plans and numerous discount programs, making it easy for homeowners to save on premiums. Allstate is a solid option for homeowners who want customizable and extended coverage. State Farm and Progressive boast strong financial strength ratings, offering peace of mind that both companies can pay claims.

We recommend requesting free quotes from at least three providers before deciding on a policy in Jacksonville.

Get instant quotes from insurers by entering your ZIP code here.

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