If you’re like many people shopping for a new home, one of the main matters that get your attention is the neighborhood and the look of its exterior and interior. But when it comes to serving people in Florida, we at All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School want you to think about location and structural materials.

Location, Location, Location

Here’s why location and construction materials matter. Insurance costs more for homes near a body of water. Standard homeowners policies do not cover damage done by flood waters. You’ll have to buy this coverage from the federal government or an independent agent. Find out where emergency services are located near it, the natural disasters the area is prone to, and the building materials used in construction.

Homes that are near a fire station with a year-round staff are less costly to insure, as are ones that are near a fire hydrant. A Class 1 fire department is the better to be near than a Class 10 one. Since Florida is susceptible to natural disasters like hurricanes that bring rain and wind, its insurance rates are high.

Now to the materials in your home. Does it support cement fiber siding, concrete stucco or stone, and brick veneer to better resist fire? Typical vinyl siding is not fire resistant. Another issue is that it and aluminum siding are easily damaged by wind. And manufactured homes are lighter than most traditional homes, which makes them prone to wind damage also. Fires also spread more quickly in them.

Now that you have some information about factors influencing insurance rates when you want a quote, contact All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School. We are ready to help Florida residents find a policy and get a quote.