Find the Best Homeowners Insurance in Tampa, FL

How to choose homeowners insurance in Tampa

Tampa home insurance is not cheap. The average premium nationally is $1,034 per year, but Florida's average is 102 percent higher. Floridians pay more because of catastrophic events like sinkholes and wind and water damage from tropical storms.

Note: Based on dwelling amounts above with a constant $1,000 deductible and $100,000 liability.

Home insurance rates in Tampa depend on the age and condition of your house and its proximity to the water. You are not legally required to have homeowners insurance in the state of Florida. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. Your home is one of your greatest assets, and it's a good idea to protect it, especially in Tampa where heavy rain and high winds can cause damage at any time.

Before you choose a Tampa home insurance policy, find out what discounts you might be eligible for. You can generally expect discounts for the following reasons:

• Bundling your auto and home insurance policies with the same company
• Installing security alarms or cameras at your property.
• Paying your premium in full rather than on a monthly basis
• Setting up automatic payments

Natural hazards, flooding and home insurance in Tampa

Tampa's location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. This increases the chance of loss due to flooding or wind damage. Sinkholes are also a problem in Tampa neighborhoods.

Florida law requires that all insurers include wind coverage during a hurricane. Insurers in Florida are also legally required to cover damages caused by sinkholes. However, flood insurance is different and not always included in a homeowners policy. You'll need to purchase separate flood insurance, so work with a Tampa home insurance agent who can make sure you're completely covered. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has additional information on how to prepare and recover from hurricanes and floods.

Most of Tampa is in a flood zone, and extra coverage will be required. If your house is close to the Hillsborough River, in communities like Riverside Heights, Channelside, Temple Terrace and Sulphur Springs, you'll need to pay special attention to flood coverage. Homes in neighborhoods on the bay, such as Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Bayshore and Ballast Point are also at risk for flooding during a heavy rain.

Tampa homeowner liability

While homeowners insurance claims are usually centered on weather events, there are other reasons you need a good policy in place. If you have a swimming pool, you are liable for injuries that occur in the pool. Theft and fire damage are also threats in Tampa. Choose an insurance company that can help reduce your risk.