1. Before You Make an Offer: Look Up Three Things
- The flood zone. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center shows the official flood map for the address. Zones beginning with A or V are Special Flood Hazard Areas, the areas FEMA maps as having a 1-percent chance of flooding in any given year.
- The year built and the roof. The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser shows the year built. The City of Port St. Lucie permit search shows permits on file, including a reroof.
- What the seller already has. Ask for any existing 4-point inspection, wind mitigation report or elevation certificate. They save time and sometimes money.
2. During the Inspection Period: Get the Insurance Reports
Your home inspection is not the same as the reports insurers ask for. Order a 4-point inspection if the home is older, and a wind mitigation inspection on any home, ideally in the same visit. The inspections guide explains what each one does. If something fails, you want to know while you can still negotiate a repair.
3. As Soon as You Have the Reports: Get Quotes
This is the moment to call. With the address, the roof year and the reports in hand, the market can be shopped properly, and you see real options side by side while there is still time to choose. It is also when you find out whether a roof or an older system limits which companies will write the house.
4. Flood: Decide Early
Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, according to FEMA. FEMA also states that homes in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance. An NFIP policy typically has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, unless the coverage is purchased as required by a government-backed lender or is related to a community flood map change. If you want flood coverage that is not lender-required, start early. The flood insurance page covers the choices.
5. Before Closing: Bind the Policy
Florida law does not require homeowners insurance, but a mortgage lender may, and yours will want proof of it before closing. Choose the policy, confirm the effective date matches the closing date, and send the lender the declarations page or binder. Do not cancel coverage anywhere else until the new policy is in force.
