Question 1

Is flood insurance required for homes on Merritt Island?

Accepted Answer

If you have a mortgage and your home is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone, your lender will require flood insurance. Even if you're not required to carry it, flood insurance is highly recommended for Merritt Island properties given the barrier island location between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. Many areas are vulnerable to storm surge from both directions, and standard homeowners policies specifically exclude flood damage.

Question 2

How much can wind mitigation features reduce my insurance costs?

Accepted Answer

Wind mitigation upgrades can save you 10-45% on your homeowners insurance premiums depending on which features you have. The most impactful improvements include impact-resistant windows and doors, reinforced roof-to-wall attachments, newer roofs with proper deck attachment, and hurricane shutters. A wind mitigation inspection costs a few hundred dollars but typically pays for itself within the first year through premium savings.

Question 3

What's the difference between wind damage and flood damage coverage?

Accepted Answer

Your homeowners policy covers wind damage from hurricanes—like roof damage, broken windows, or debris impact—but specifically excludes flooding. Flood damage from storm surge, heavy rain, or rising water requires separate flood insurance through NFIP or private insurers. During a hurricane, wind damage and flood damage often occur simultaneously, which is why you need both policies to be fully protected on Merritt Island.

Question 4

Does home insurance cover damage from rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

Standard homeowners policies don't currently have specific exclusions for rocket launch-related damage, so vibration or debris damage would likely fall under standard coverage provisions. However, this is an evolving area as launch frequency increases—the Space Coast saw 93 launches in 2024 and projections suggest this could grow to hundreds per year. Local officials are actively studying structural impacts from launch vibrations, so check with your insurer about coverage specifics.

Question 5

Why is Merritt Island home insurance more expensive than mainland Florida?

Accepted Answer

Merritt Island's barrier island location means significantly higher risk from hurricanes, with exposure to storm surge from both the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. Limited evacuation routes, low elevation in many areas, and direct exposure to hurricane-force winds without natural barriers all contribute to higher premiums. Brevard County has experienced 53 hurricanes historically, and proximity to the coast always increases insurance costs in Florida.

Question 6

Should I get excess flood insurance beyond NFIP limits?

Accepted Answer

If your waterfront home is valued above $250,000 or you have high-value contents, excess flood insurance is worth considering since NFIP maxes out at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. For many Merritt Island waterfront properties worth $450,000 or more, NFIP limits leave a significant coverage gap. Private excess flood policies can fill this gap and are especially important in severe flood risk zones.

Insurance Agents in Merritt Island, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Merritt Island

A-Aarrow Insurance

Brightway Insurance

Insurance Agents in Merritt Island, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Merritt Island

A-Aarrow Insurance

Brightway Insurance

Health Insurance By Tony

Insurance World Of Eau Gallie

John Merrick Jr. Insurance Inc.

Mr Auto Insurance

Mr Auto Insurance

Turner Florida Insurance Inc.

Insurance Guides for Merritt Island

Home Insurance in Merritt Island

Auto Insurance in Merritt Island

Insurance Guide for Merritt Island

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