Florida Insurance Glossary: Home, Auto, Flood & More

Easy-to-understand, Florida-specific definitions for homeowners, condo, renters, flood, and auto insurance (including hurricanes, PIP, UM, and more).

Coverage A – Dwelling

Covers the structure of your Florida home against covered perils (e.g., wind, fire, theft). Make sure limits reflect current rebuild costs; consider Replacement Cost instead of ACV.

Coverage B – Other Structures

Detached structures (garage, shed, fence). Typically 10% of Coverage A; can be increased if needed.

Coverage C – Personal Property

Belongings like furniture, electronics, clothing. Consider a home inventory and scheduled items for higher-value property.

Coverage D – Loss of Use (ALE)

Pays for temporary housing, meals, and living costs if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.

Coverage E – Personal Liability

Protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged and you’re legally responsible. Consider an umbrella policy for higher limits.

Coverage F – Medical Payments

Pays minor medical costs for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault.

Hurricane Deductible FL

A percentage (often 2–5%) applied to covered hurricane losses. Triggers based on state-defined hurricane events; confirm your policy’s trigger language.

Flood Insurance

Home policies exclude flood (rising water). Buy NFIP or private flood coverage; lenders may require it in FEMA flood zones.

Storm Surge

Abnormal sea-level rise during storms. Generally not covered by homeowners; requires flood insurance.

Windstorm Pools FL

State-backed or residual market options for high wind/hurricane risk areas. In Florida, see Citizens.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) FL Auto

Florida auto “no-fault” coverage that helps pay medical expenses (and some lost wages) after a crash, typically up to $10,000, regardless of fault.

Uninsured Motorist (UM)

Covers injuries if you’re hit by an at-fault driver with no liability insurance (or hit-and-run). Consider stacking if you have multiple vehicles.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM)

Pays above the at-fault driver’s low limits when your injuries exceed their coverage.

Rental Reimbursement

Helps pay for a rental while your vehicle is repaired after a covered loss.

GAP Coverage

Covers the difference between your vehicle’s loan/lease balance and its ACV after a total loss.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

What property is worth today (depreciated). Often lower claim payout than Replacement Cost.

Replacement Cost (RCV)

Pays to repair/replace at today’s prices without subtracting depreciation (subject to limits/conditions).

Additional Living Expense (ALE)

Hotel, meals, and extra costs if a covered loss makes your home unlivable.

Deductible

Your out-of-pocket amount before insurance pays. Florida policies often have separate hurricane deductibles.

Exclusions

Losses the policy does not cover unless added by endorsement (e.g., flood, earth movement, wear and tear).

Water Backup Coverage

Adds coverage for water that backs up through sewers/drains or overflows from a sump—commonly excluded without this endorsement.

Inland Marine

Covers portable/high-value items (equipment, fine arts) on the go or off-premises.

Customized Coverage

Endorsements or increased limits tailored to your risk (e.g., short-term rental, home office equipment, golf carts).

Jewelry Scheduling

Lists valuable items (jewelry, watches, collectibles) for higher limits and broader coverage; may require an appraisal.

Citizens Property Insurance (FL) FL

Florida’s state-backed insurer for homeowners who can’t find private coverage. Subject to eligibility, surcharges, and depopulation rules.

Wind Mitigation Inspection Discount

Inspection documenting features (roof shape, clips/straps, shutters) that can reduce your Florida home premium with credits.

Ordinance or Law (Code Upgrade)

Helps pay the extra cost to bring repairs up to current building codes after a covered loss (often 25% or 50% of Coverage A).

Sinkhole Coverage FL

Florida policies may limit base coverage to “catastrophic ground cover collapse.” Broader sinkhole coverage can sometimes be added for an extra premium.

Assignment of Benefits (AOB)

An agreement transferring claim benefits to a contractor. Florida has enacted reforms; review carefully before signing.

Roof Age Requirement

Florida carriers often set max roof ages by material (e.g., shingle vs. metal). Older roofs can affect eligibility and pricing.

SR-22 / FR-44 (Florida) Auto

Certificates proving financial responsibility after certain violations. FR-44 typically requires higher liability limits than SR-22 in Florida.

Flood Zone & Elevation Certificate

FEMA maps designate flood risk (e.g., AE, X). An Elevation Certificate documents your home’s elevation vs. base flood to help rate flood insurance.

Florida Insurance FAQs

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?
Yes, wind damage from hurricanes is typically covered, but your hurricane deductible applies and may be a percentage of your Coverage A limit.
Is flood damage covered by home insurance?
No. You’ll need separate flood insurance (NFIP or private) for rising water, storm surge, and overland flooding.
What is PIP in Florida auto insurance?
PIP helps pay medical costs (and some lost wages) for you and certain passengers after a crash—regardless of fault.
How can I lower my Florida home premium?
Complete a wind mitigation inspection, keep your roof updated, consider higher deductibles, and ask about discounts (alarm, water-leak sensors, bundle home/auto).