Lightning damage poses a significant threat to Florida homeowners. While most policies provide coverage for lightning damage in their standard policies, homeowners should review these policies and take measures to ensure that their risk for lightning damage is low.

While many homeowners’ insurance claims result from the damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes, there is another type of natural disaster that can cause just as much damage: lightning. As Florida is the lightning capital of the world, it is important for homeowners to review their homeowners’ policies to ensure that lightning damage is a covered expense. While coverage for lightning damage is standard for most homeowners’ insurance policies, not all cover the damage caused by lightning.

While many homeowners are not aware of the potential damage lightning could cause, lightning can actually cause serious damage. It can damage not only the structure of your house but can also damage internal components of your house.

There are a number of different actions homeowners can take in order to protect their homes from lightning, and these actions may also work to lower your insurance premiums. If your home is protected against lightning damage it is likely that you will qualify for lower homeowners’ insurance quotes. Taking the following actions can show insurance companies that your home is at low risk for lightning damage:

Installing a lightning rod on the roof of your home will direct the lightning into the ground instead of letting it run its course through your house where it could cause serious damage.

Installing either an energy shield or surge-protection device on the electric meter outside of your home will also work to direct lightning into the ground instead of directly at your home. Check with your local electric company regarding this option, they may offer surge protection devices that will keep your home electronics and other major appliances protected from damage.

As lightning can strike anywhere with little warning, it is essential for all Florida homeowners to have adequate homeowners’ insurance coverage in place that protects against the damage lightning can cause. This assures that if the worst happens, any cost for repairs or replacement of damaged property will be covered. You should make sure that the replacement cost limit for your property under your policy is enough to cover the replacement cost of your home.

Florida homeowners should review their policies to determine if their policies cover all forms of lightning damage and how extensive this coverage is. Talking to a licensed homeowners’ insurance agent can help Florida homeowners review their coverage options.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

Thousands of Florida residents may have to pay more for their homeowner’s insurance. The federal government has just made changes to its floodplain map, causing many Florida homeowners to acquire flood insurance.

A recent change in the federal government’s floodplain map is causing Florida homeowners to add flood insurance to their homeowner’s insurance policies. The area most affected by these new changes is Orange County, Florida. Homes in the Conway and Azelea Park areas that have never been affected by floods will now need to be covered by flood insurance. These newly identified homeowners will have to amend their existing policies in order to protect themselves against the tragedy that could occur during flooding.

Every ten years, FEMA redraws its floodplain map, and this year’s results indicate a great change in potential areas of flooding. This year, the process was conducted using a digital system, which is similar to a GPS. In the past, FEMA has relied on printed maps in order to determine which homes are susceptible to flooding. This system, FEMA notes, is more reliable than the ones used in the past and could work to save homeowner’s from the financial and emotional disaster than can occur after a flood affects one’s home.

While FEMA’s new floodplain map has placed many new residents in a flood zone, it has also taken around 8,000 homeowners out of previously identified flood zones. According to FEMA, being in a flood zone simply means that the homeowner’s property is in an area that has at least a 1% chance of flooding. If Florida homeowner’s do not agree with the results obtained from FEMA’s mapping system, they can conduct their own survey to determine whether or not their homes are susceptible to flooding.

Florida homeowners should not make the mistake of thinking that their existing homeowner’s policy covers the damage caused by floods. Flood insurance is not part of standard homeowner’s policy and must be added to the policy for an additional premium.

This type of homeowner’s coverage has not been necessary for many of the homes in this area in the past, and not having it now could cost Florida homeowners a significant amount of money. Residents in the effected areas should consult with a licensed homeowner’s insurance agent to find the best options for adding flood insurance to their policies.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

Florida Home Insurance Rates Jump Higher than Your Child on a Trampoline

Your homeowners insurance covers more than your home. It covers liability (confirm with your agent). This often overlooked coverage is probably the most valuable part of your home insurance policy.

The cost of your insurance is determined by replacement value and risk. Many people are surprised to learn that the addition of a trampoline can cause your homeowners insurance to go up.

Is this because they are afraid of you or your family hurting themselves? Actually, your insurance companies concern is that a neighbor will be using your trampoline and injure themselves. If that occurs, you will be liable if sued and therefore your insurance company would have to pay out.

If you are considering purchasing a trampoline, pool, or other item that will add to the risk of your home, talk to a licensed agent at The Florida Insurance Group.

Visit http://www.floridainsurance.com or call (407) 277-6000.