TL;DR: Most homeowners don’t realize how underinsured they are until it’s too late. This post breaks down the key parts of your homeowner’s policy—Dwelling, Other Structures, Personal Property, Liability, and Medical Coverage—and explains why reviewing your policy today with a public adjuster is the smartest move you can make.
Most Florida homeowners haven’t read their insurance policy. If you’re one of them, you’re not alone—and unfortunately, that’s exactly how insurance companies like it. The truth is, insurance companies often count on you not knowing what you’re really covered for. But understanding your policy is critical to protecting your home, finances, and future.
I’m Mendy, host of My Insurance Claim Expert, proudly brought to you by Panther Public Adjusting. In this blog, we’ll break down your homeowner’s insurance policy so you know exactly what you’re paying for, what you’re missing, and how to avoid being underpaid or denied when disaster strikes.
Coverage A: Dwelling Coverage
Your dwelling coverage is what protects the actual structure of your home—walls, roof, foundation, floors, and anything permanently attached. But here’s the catch: most homeowners are underinsured.
Your policy should cover the current rebuilding costs, not what you paid for your home. Construction prices keep rising, and if your coverage hasn’t kept up, you could end up paying tens of thousands out of pocket after a loss.
Insider Tip: Make sure your dwelling limit reflects modern building costs, not outdated appraisals.
Learn more about policy types and how to avoid costly coverage gaps in our blog on replacement cost value vs. actual cash value policies.
Coverage B: Other Structures
This part of your policy covers detached garages, fences, sheds, and even detached pools. It usually defaults to 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage, but that might not be enough.
If you have valuable external structures, ask your agent to raise your limit. We often see policies capping this at $4,000, which is rarely enough to rebuild even a small garage or fence.
In places like Venice and Englewood, where storm damage to external property is common, this coverage is crucial.
Coverage C: Personal Property
This covers everything inside your home: furniture, electronics, appliances, and clothing. But be careful—most policies cap high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles at $1,500 unless you buy an endorsement.
Insider Tip: Do a home inventory video annually. Walk through your house, open drawers, and record everything. It’ll make claim filing faster and easier.
If you own expensive personal property in areas like Sarasota or Palmetto, this step is non-negotiable.
Liability & Medical Payments: Coverage E and F
Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property and decides to sue. Medical payments cover treatment costs. Most policies default to $100,000, but in today’s world, that amount doesn’t go far.
We recommend boosting your liability to at least $300,000 and considering an umbrella policy for extra protection. These are affordable and offer peace of mind.
Insider Tip: Liability and medical coverage don’t cover household members. They only apply to guests and visitors.
Why Reviewing Your Policy Matters
Every day, we see homeowners in cities like Saint Petersburg and Ruskin shocked to learn that their policies don’t cover what they thought. Insurance companies use confusing language and low limits to avoid big payouts.
Before attending any examination under oath (EUO), make sure you’re prepared. Here’s why you should never go alone to an EUO.
When you understand your policy, you’re less likely to be denied or underpaid. And with Panther Public Adjusting by your side, you’ll have the knowledge and support to fight for what you deserve.
Ready to Review Your Policy?
✉️ Email us at Claims@PantherPA.com to submit your policy for a free expert review.
📞 Call us now at 833-726-8437 to speak with a licensed public adjuster.
📈 Visit PantherPA.com/#contact to get started and ensure your home is truly protected.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
For more tips like these, subscribe to our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert, where Mendy breaks down insurance secrets the industry doesn’t want you to know.
And don’t forget to join our Facebook community, Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101, where homeowners across Florida share advice, experiences, and support.
Read more about how we helped one client turn a denied $40K claim into a $400K payout in our post on how a public adjuster maximized a commercial claim.
Also, don’t miss these critical hurricane claim tips or our guide on what to do after a storm.
Final Thoughts
Your homeowner’s insurance policy isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s your financial lifeline after a disaster. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
✉️ Email your policy to Claims@PantherPA.com for a no-obligation review.
📞 Call 833-726-8437 and talk to a public adjuster who’s on your side.
📈 Contact us here to protect what matters most.
Knowledge is power. Now you have it.
FAQs
1. What happens if my dwelling coverage isn’t enough to rebuild my home?
You’ll be responsible for covering the gap out of pocket. This is why it’s crucial to make sure your coverage reflects current rebuilding costs.
2. Can I increase coverage for items like jewelry or collectibles?
Yes, you can add an endorsement to your policy that raises the coverage limits for high-value personal items.
3. Why should I hire a public adjuster instead of handling a claim myself?
Public adjusters advocate for you—not the insurance company. They help you understand your policy, document damage, and negotiate for a fair settlement, often recovering significantly more than homeowners can on their own.