Guide to Best Coastal Homeowners’ Insurance in 2023
The past year will undoubtedly be recalled for its devastating floods, storms, extreme droughts, and heat waves. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), in 2022, there were a total of 18 natural disasters that caused over $1 billion in damages each. And if the trend over the decades indicates anything, it’s that the frequency of these disasters will only increase.
Natural disasters are unpredictable and tend to be costly for insurance companies. Reports indicate that Hurricane Ian made 2022 one of the most expensive years regarding weather-related insured losses. This is why coastal homeowners must consider getting the best home insurance available to protect their property against unforeseen weather disasters.
What are Coastal Homes?
Any properties located near the coast or other bodies of water, like lakes and rivers, are known as coastal homes. While living near the water can be incredibly appealing for many, it comes with lots of risks and challenges.
Coastal homes are more prone to damage from weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and storms. But that’s not all! They may also be at higher risk for erosion and soil instability, which can be a significant concern, potentially leading to serious foundational damage or collapse.
Why you need Coastal Home Insurance?
Hurricanes and water damage are responsible for causing more harm than any other natural disaster and are responsible for 28 billion dollars of destruction. You need coastal home insurance if you have a property near a large body of water. Also known as beach house insurance, it offers comprehensive protection against unique risks and challenges not typically covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies.
Coastal home insurance also protects your home against a number of hazards (except for those listed as exclusions in your policy). This type of coverage typically comes with replacement cost coverage for your home and belongings. This means that depreciation isn’t factored into the cost of getting your property repaired or replacing your belongings.
Some additional coverage that you might need include:
Hazard insurance – Provides protection from a number of natural hazards that can occur to your house or property. This may also include damage resulting from fire and theft.
Flood insurance – Coastal homes are at frequent risk of flooding from heavy rainfall from tropical storms and hurricanes. Since standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, you may want to consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.
Windstorm insurance – While standard homeowners insurance tends to cover damage from wind and hail, they typically exclude wind coverage. If your coverage excludes wind and hail coverage, you should consider purchasing a separate wind-only insurance policy to ensure complete protection.
House contents – Your policy should include coverage for the content of your house, like electronics, furniture, and flooring.
Outbuildings – This includes dethatched structures, garages, workshops, gazebo sheds, and other outdoor structures.
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What are the differences between homeowners insurance and coastal home insurance?
The main difference between homeowners insurance and coastal home insurance is the latter’s additional coverage for risks specific to coastal homes. Standard home insurance policies typically cover damage to a home caused by fire, theft, and vandalism. However, it may not provide adequate coverage for risks such as flooding, storm surges, and wind damage common in coastal areas.
It should come without a surprise that coastal home insurance tends to cost more than standard home insurance. The average cost of coastal home insurance can range anywhere from $859 to over $5,000. The exact rate depends on your seaside property’s size, location, and various mitigation elements. Many insurance companies also tend to limit the number of coastal home insurance they write.
You may need to rely on your state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirement Plan (FAIR Plan) to find coverage for your coastal home. Some of the other differences between standard and coastal home insurance are as follows:
DeliverablesStandard PolicyCoastal PolicyDwellingReplacement costExtended replacement costOther StructuresActual cash valueExtended replacement costPropertyActual cash valueReplacement cost coverageWhere to find the policyMost home insurance companiesSelected/ specialized insurance carriers or FAIR plansCostNational average of $1,899 annuallyVaries but is comparatively more expensiveDeductiblesOne deductible— between $500 and $2,000Multiple deductibles—1% to 10% of your dwelling coverage limit
Here’s what you need to know about getting coastal home insurance in some of the top coastal states in the nation.
Coastal home insurance in Alaska
Alaska’s coastline stretches to 33,904 miles and also comprises many lakes, rivers, and streams. While living beside a large body of water is lovely, it has many risks that could increase your home insurance rates. The closer you are to the shore, the more your property is at risk of flooding.
Alaska doesn’t have a FAIR Plan for home insurance. Contrary to belief, Alaska has a relatively tamer weather pattern compared to areas like Washinton and New York.
If you’re looking for coverage for flooding, you will require separate flood insurance. Specific factors determine whether you live in a flood zone in Alaska. These factors include the history of flooding in the location and high-risk areas. These factors play a direct role in changing your home insurance premium.
Similarly, the rate of your coastal home insurance depends on your property’s estimated base flood evaluation. The average cost of beach house insurance in Alaska is $1,398 annually.
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Coastal home insurance in Florida
Florida comes in second on our list of states with the most extensive coastline, with 8,436 miles. Every year from the 1st of June to the 30th of November, is considered hurricane season in Florida. Since many carriers have strict restrictions on insuring coastal homes, finding an insurance company can take time and effort. So, it might be advisable to find coastal home insurance through an independent agent, as they can coordinate with multiple carriers to help you find the right coverage.
While insuring a coastal property in Florida can be expensive, depending on where your home was built, mitigating features such as shutters and roof tie-downs can provide you with the necessary credits to reduce your homeowner premiums.
The average cost of beach house insurance in Miami, Florida, is $5,003 annually.
Coastal home insurance in California
The state of California is one of the locations that are most prone to water-related damages. It has 3,427 mils miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Unpredictable coastal weathers bring the danger of floods, cyclones, and hurricanes. So ensuring you have the right coastal home insurance in California is very important.
The cost of coastal home insurance varies greatly depending on where you live. You can estimate the level of coverage you need by looking at past instances of flooding in the location. While getting homeowners insurance should be a no-brainer, make sure that you review your policies carefully and consider purchasing additional coverage, such as hazard insurance, for specific risks. Insurance companies also advise upgrading your home’s safety features to reduce the likelihood of damage and improve its resistance to natural disasters.
Coastal home insurance in Hawaii
Compared to other states, homeowners in Hawaii see a wider variety of disasters. While the state doesn’t face the same risks as California regarding earthquakes and wildfires, it is at constant risk of damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, and floodings caused by heavy rainfall. So finding the right coastal home insurance is an absolute necessity.
Hawaii has a coastline that stretches just above 1,052 miles. The state also sees a wide range of earthquakes and flash floods, which explains the high number of landslides and mudslides. The rate of coastal home insurance in Hawaii varies based on several factors, such as the property’s location, the scope of coverage, and the insurance company.
Coastal home insurance in Oregon
Coastal home insurance in Oregon can be a complex issue due to the unique risks posed by living in a coastal area. Oregon’s coastline spans 1,410 miles and is home to several communities vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and windstorms. As a result, homeowners in these areas may face higher insurance premiums or need help to obtain coverage from traditional insurance providers.
Coastal home insurance policies in Oregon typically provide additional coverage for risks specific to coastal areas, such as damage from high winds, coastal erosion, and flooding caused by storm surges. Homeowners in Oregon are advised to review their policies carefully and consider purchasing additional coverage for these types of risks.
Additionally, it’s crucial for homeowners to regularly maintain and upgrade their homes to reduce the likelihood of damage and increase their homes’ resilience in the face of natural disasters. Homeowners should work with a licensed insurance agent in Oregon who can provide more specific information and guidance on coastal home insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find coastal homeowners insurance near me?
There are a number of ways to help you find coastal home insurance. Some of the top ways are as follows:
Research insurance companies that offer coastal home insurance. Keep a look out for carriers that have experience providing coverage for homes on coastlines and that offer policies that specifically address the unique risks coastal dwellings face.
Use online marketplaces. Many modern websites offer online insurance marketplaces that let you enter your location and other specific details to receive quotes from multiple insurance providers. Some of the most popular insurance marketplaces include Policygenius, QuoteWizard, and Insurify.
Coordinate with a local insurance agent. An insurance agent in your area can provide information on insurance providers offering coastal homeowners insurance policies. An agent can also help you evaluate your insurance needs and find a policy that offers adequate coverage at an affordable price.
Check with state insurance regulators. State insurance regulators maintain lists of licensed insurance providers in each state and can provide you with information on providers offering coastal homeowners insurance policies.
What if I can’t find coastal homeowners insurance?
If you have a hard time finding a carrier that’s willing to insure your coastal home, you may be able to get coverage through your state’s FAIR plan or Beach and Windstorm Plan. These plans are specifically designed for high-risk homeowners who’ve struggled to find a policy on the private insurance market.
While they are run on the state level, they’re typically funded by private insurance companies licensed to do business in the state. These policies are more expensive than standard homeowners insurance policies and offer lower coverage limits.
Find a Local Insurance Agent Near You
Connect with a local agent online to help you with your insurance needs.
