Two houses on the same street in Fort Myers or Cape Coral can carry very different insurance costs. Elevation, roof history, prior claims and construction type all move the number, and none of them are obvious from a listing photo.
These are the questions worth asking while you can still walk away or renegotiate.
Key takeaways
- Ask for the elevation certificate and the flood zone before you offer.
- Confirm the roof's age and that its permit is closed.
- Request the property's loss history — claims follow the address.
- For condos, get the master policy and add loss assessment coverage.
What flood zone is it in — and what's the elevation?
Flood zone determines whether your lender requires flood coverage and heavily influences the premium. Elevation certificates, where they exist, can lower it substantially by documenting how the structure sits relative to base flood elevation.
Ask whether the seller has an elevation certificate. It transfers with the property and is expensive to reproduce.
How old is the roof, and are the permits closed?
Get the installation year and confirm the permit was properly closed with the county or city. An unpermitted or open-permit roof replacement is a real obstacle to binding coverage, and it's the seller's problem to fix while you're still under contract.
What's the claim history on the property?
Prior claims attach to the property, not just the owner, and appear in the loss-history databases carriers check. A history of water claims in particular narrows your options.
Sellers can request their own loss history report; ask for it.
What's the construction type, and are the openings protected?
Concrete block construction generally rates better than frame in Florida. Impact windows, rated shutters and a rated garage door earn wind mitigation credits.
If the home has shutters, confirm they're rated and that all openings — including the garage — are actually covered. Partial protection often earns no credit at all.
If it's a condo or HOA community: where does the association's coverage stop?
Association master policies vary between covering the bare walls and covering original fixtures. That line determines how much unit-owner coverage (HO-6) you need to carry.
Ask for the master policy declarations and the association's deductible — special assessments after a hurricane can be substantial, and loss assessment coverage on your own policy is what responds to them.
How Florida home coverage works
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Frequently asked questions
This guide is general information for Florida consumers, not a policy or legal advice. Coverage terms vary by carrier and policy form — your declarations page controls. Last reviewed July 26, 2026.