Question 1

Do I need flood insurance in Sunrise if I'm not in a flood zone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should strongly consider it. While Sunrise hasn't experienced a major flood event, the city is surrounded by canals and lakes with flat geography that makes it vulnerable to flooding from heavy hurricane rains. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, and FEMA notes that inland flooding accounts for a significant portion of hurricane losses. At around $544 annually for basic NFIP coverage, it's affordable protection against a potentially devastating financial loss.

Question 2

How much can I actually save with a wind mitigation inspection?

Accepted Answer

You can save up to 90% on the wind portion of your premium, which for many Sunrise homeowners means $500 to $2,000 annually in savings. The inspection itself costs only $75 to $150, so it typically pays for itself within the first year. Features like hurricane straps, impact-resistant windows, and a newer roof can qualify you for significant discounts that compound over time.

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. Hurricane deductibles are percentage-based, typically 2% to 10% of your home's insured value. On a $300,000 home, a 5% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $15,000 of hurricane damage out of pocket. Check your policy to know exactly what you'll owe if a hurricane hits.

Question 4

Is Citizens Property Insurance a good option for Sunrise homeowners?

Accepted Answer

Citizens is Florida's insurer of last resort and can be a solid option if private insurers won't cover you or quote rates more than 20% higher. Their rates are often competitive, and recent changes make eligibility requirements more flexible. However, Florida actively moves policies from Citizens to private insurers when available, so you may not stay with Citizens long-term if the private market stabilizes.

Question 5

Why is home insurance so expensive in Florida compared to other states?

Accepted Answer

Florida's average home insurance cost of $8,770 is more than three times the national average of $2,423, driven primarily by hurricane risk and recent catastrophic storms like Ian, Nicole, Helene, and Milton. Rising construction costs, litigation expenses, reinsurance costs, and a challenging insurance market with multiple carrier insolvencies have all contributed to premium increases. Sunrise's inland location helps moderate these costs compared to coastal properties.

Question 6

How often should I update my home insurance coverage amount?

Accepted Answer

You should review and update your coverage annually, especially in Florida's current market where home values and construction costs are rising rapidly. If you've made significant improvements like a new roof, kitchen renovation, or added square footage, update your policy immediately. Replacement cost coverage ensures you can fully rebuild your home, which is far more valuable than actual cash value coverage that depreciates over time.

Insurance Agents in Sunrise, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Sunrise

1 Insurance Solutions

Advantage Plus Insurance, Inc.

Insurance Agents in Sunrise, Florida (FL)

Insurance agencies serving Sunrise

1 Insurance Solutions

Advantage Plus Insurance, Inc.

Careteam Insurance

Collins Insurance

F & S Insurance Inc

Florida Insurance Group

Florida Regional Insurance Group

Florida We Insure

Focus

Iglesia Insurance

Insurance Guides for Sunrise

Home Insurance in Sunrise

Car Insurance Costs in Sunrise

Auto Insurance in Sunrise

Sunrise Insurance Guide

Frequently asked questions