Question 1

Do I need flood insurance in Fernandina Beach if I'm not in a high-risk zone?

Accepted Answer

Even if you're not in a Special Flood Hazard Area, flood insurance is strongly recommended for Fernandina Beach properties. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage or storm surge, and being on a barrier island means you're at risk even outside designated flood zones. Flood insurance outside high-risk areas is typically much more affordable than in SFHAs, and claims data shows that about 25% of flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.

Question 2

How much is flood insurance in Fernandina Beach with the city's CRS discount?

Accepted Answer

Fernandina Beach maintains a Class 5 CRS rating, which gives residents in Special Flood Hazard Areas a 25% discount on their National Flood Insurance Program premiums. For a typical home, this could save $300-$500 or more annually. Properties outside high-risk zones also receive a 10% discount through the CRS program, though flood insurance is generally more affordable in those areas regardless.

Question 3

What's the difference between my regular deductible and hurricane deductible?

Accepted Answer

Your regular deductible is a flat dollar amount (like $1,000 or $2,500) that applies to most claims like fire, theft, or water damage. Your hurricane deductible is a percentage of your dwelling coverage—typically 2% to 10%—and only applies when damage is caused by a named hurricane. For a $300,000 home with a 5% hurricane deductible, you'd pay the first $15,000 of hurricane damage yourself before insurance coverage kicks in.

Question 4

Are home insurance rates still going up in Florida in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Florida's home insurance market is stabilizing in 2025 after years of dramatic increases. The average statewide premium is up only about 6% from 2024, compared to double-digit increases in previous years. Many insurers have filed for rate decreases or 0% increases, and seventeen new carriers have entered the market, increasing competition. If Florida avoids major hurricanes, rates could continue stabilizing or even decrease in 2026.

Question 5

What additional coverage do I need for a historic home in Fernandina Beach?

Accepted Answer

Historic homes in Fernandina Beach's downtown district need adequate ordinance and law coverage to pay for bringing the property up to current building codes after major damage. You should also ensure your dwelling coverage limits are high enough to rebuild with period-appropriate materials and craftsmanship, not just replace with standard construction. Extended replacement cost coverage (typically 125% or 150% of your dwelling limit) provides important cushion for historic properties.

Question 6

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Fernandina Beach?

Accepted Answer

Standard homeowners insurance in Fernandina Beach typically covers wind damage from hurricanes, but you'll pay a separate percentage-based hurricane deductible rather than your regular deductible. However, flood damage and storm surge are never covered by homeowners insurance—you need separate flood insurance for that. Some coastal policies may exclude or limit wind coverage, requiring you to purchase separate windstorm insurance, so review your policy carefully.

Insurance Agents in Fernandina Beach, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Fernandina Beach

8 Flags Insurance Agency, LLC

A & B Insurance

Insurance Agents in Fernandina Beach, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Fernandina Beach

8 Flags Insurance Agency, LLC

A & B Insurance

Amelia Insurance Agency Inc

Compass Group Insurance

Raulerson Insurance Group

Insurance Guides for Fernandina Beach

Home Insurance in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Auto Insurance in Fernandina Beach, Florida

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