Your home is likely the largest asset you'll ever own, and homeowners insurance is what stands between a covered disaster and financial ruin. But not all home policies are built the same — and nowhere is that clearer than in Washington and Florida, two states with almost opposite risk profiles. In Florida, the conversation is dominated by hurricane wind, flood, and a famously difficult insurance market. In Washington, it's wildfire, windstorm, and earthquake. A good homeowners policy is one built for your perils, not a generic template. That's where an independent agency earns its value.
What homeowners insurance covers
A standard homeowners policy bundles several protections. Knowing the pieces helps you set the right limits — the most common and costly mistake is under-insuring the dwelling itself.
| Coverage | What it protects | How to set it |
|---|---|---|
| A — Dwelling | The physical structure of your home | Set to full replacement cost, not market value |
| B — Other structures | Fences, sheds, detached garages | Usually 10% of dwelling |
| C — Personal property | Your belongings inside | 50–70% of dwelling; schedule valuables |
| D — Loss of use | Hotel/rent while home is unlivable | 20% of dwelling is typical |
| E — Personal liability | Injuries/damage you're responsible for | $300k–$500k; pair with umbrella |
| F — Medical payments | Minor guest injuries, no-fault | $1k–$5k |
Washington vs. Florida: very different perils
This is the heart of buying home insurance in these two states. The same policy form behaves differently because the risks — and the endorsements you need — are different.
Florida homeowners
Florida's market has been reshaped by hurricane losses. Expect a separate hurricane/windstorm deductible expressed as a percentage (often 2%–5%) of your dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount. Flood is never included — it requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy, which we strongly recommend given storm surge and heavy rain. Many homeowners also benefit from a wind mitigation inspection, which can unlock significant premium credits for features like hurricane straps, impact windows, and a newer roof.
Washington homeowners
Washington's biggest gaps are earthquake (excluded by default; available as a separate policy or endorsement, important along the I-5 corridor and Cascadia subduction zone) and flood (also separate). Wildfire and windstorm are generally covered under a standard policy, but rebuilding-cost inflation and defensible-space requirements matter. We help Washington homeowners decide whether earthquake coverage makes sense for their location and construction type.
Where a typical homeowners premium goes
What homeowners insurance costs
Florida is among the most expensive states in the nation for homeowners insurance because of hurricane exposure and reinsurance costs; Washington is generally more moderate. Your premium depends on rebuilding cost, roof age, construction, claims history, distance to coast, and mitigation features.
Estimated average annual homeowners premium (2025)
Ways to lower your homeowners premium
- Bundle with auto for a multi-policy discount of 10–25%.
- In Florida, get a wind mitigation inspection — roof shape, straps, and impact glass can earn major credits.
- Raise your deductible if you can absorb the out-of-pocket cost in a claim.
- Update your roof and systems — roof age is one of the biggest underwriting factors in both states.
- Insure to replacement cost, not more — you don't insure the land, only the structure.
- Ask about protective-device credits for alarms, water-leak sensors, and impact-resistant features.
Why buy homeowners insurance through Maru
In hard markets — and Florida has been one of the hardest in the country — a single carrier may non-renew you or spike your rate with little notice. Because Maru represents many carriers, including options for higher-risk and coastal homes, we can re-home your policy rather than leave you scrambling. We coordinate your home, flood, wind, and umbrella coverage so there are no dangerous gaps between them.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Is hurricane damage covered by my Florida home policy?
Do I need earthquake insurance in Washington?
How much dwelling coverage do I need?
Why did my Florida homeowners premium increase so much?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
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