Homeowners Insurance Tips for First-Time Buyers in Jacksonville, FL

Buying your first home is a big deal—and in Florida, it comes with some unique challenges. Between hurricanes, rising insurance costs, and unfamiliar terms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we’ve helped thousands of new homeowners across Jacksonville feel confident and covered. Here’s what we want you to know.

1. Understand What Your Policy Actually Covers

Most homeowners insurance policies include four key protections:

• Dwelling: The structure of your home
• Personal Property: Your belongings (furniture, clothes, electronics)
• Liability: Covers you if someone is injured on your property
• Loss of Use: Pays for a place to live if your home becomes uninhabitable

But don’t assume everything is covered. Floods? Earthquakes? Sewer backups? These often require separate policies or endorsements. We’ll walk you through those options so you don’t have surprises later.

2. Price Isn’t Everything

Yes, we all want to save money—but a low premium isn’t a deal if it means weak coverage. For example:

• Is your personal property covered for replacement cost or depreciated value?
• Are there sub-limits on jewelry, electronics, or fine art?
• Would you have enough to rebuild if a hurricane hit?
• Is the roof covered at replacement cost or actual cash value?
• Is water damage from broken pipes included? This is the most common claim in Florida. If there is a limit, how much is the limit

It’s better to be well-insured than underinsured. We can help you balance protection and price.

3. Add-Ons That Matter in Florida

Depending on your home and location, you may want to consider:

• Flood Insurance: Especially if you’re in a high-risk zone or coastal area
• Sewer & Drain Backup Coverage: Often excluded but very useful
• Extended Replacement Cost: Extra protection if construction costs spike
• Identity Theft or Equipment Breakdown: Optional but affordable for extra peace of mind

4. Update Your Coverage as Life Changes

Remodel your kitchen? Add a pool? Buy new electronics? Your policy should keep up with your lifestyle. We recommend reviewing your coverage at least once a year—or anytime something major changes in your home.

5. You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

Augustyniak Insurance Group is a local, independent agency right here in Jacksonville. We’ve been helping Florida homeowners for over 25 years and have earned 2,000+ 5-star Google reviews by doing things the right way—one client at a time.

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter quotes. We take the time to understand your needs and explain your options clearly, so you can make the best decision for your new home.

FAQs

Do I need homeowners insurance before closing on my house?

Yes. Most lenders require proof of insurance before closing. We’ll work directly with your mortgage company to provide it.

How much homeowners insurance do I need?

Enough to rebuild your home from the ground up, plus cover your belongings and liability. We use replacement cost estimators to help determine this accurately.

Does homeowners insurance cover floods?

No. Flood insurance is a separate policy, usually through FEMA or a private carrier. We recommend it for all Florida homeowners. Florida is hit by many hurricanes and surrounded by water on all three sides. Only a few insurers offer limited flood coverage as an add-on.

Can I bundle my home and auto insurance?

Absolutely. Most companies offer a discount for bundling. It’s a great way to save and simplify your coverage.

Written by Susan Augustyniak

Susan is the owner of Augustyniak Insurance Group in Jacksonville, FL. With over two decades of experience and thousands of happy clients, she’s passionate about helping Floridians protect what matters most.