By Griffin & Forbis
If you're buying a home in Naples, one of the first things you'll hear about is homeowners insurance. But what exactly does it cover? We're here to demystify it for you. Whether you're eyeing a waterfront property in Port Royal or a golf course home in Grey Oaks, knowing what’s protected is key to peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
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Covers damage to your home and personal belongings
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Includes liability protection and additional living expenses
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Doesn’t cover everything—know your exclusions
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Coverage can vary by location and policy type
What the Structure of Your Home Is Protected Against
Common Coverage for the Dwelling Itself
Homeowners insurance typically includes coverage for your home’s structure. This protects against many unexpected events that could cause serious damage.
Here’s what’s usually included:
Here’s what’s usually included:
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Fire and smoke damage
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Windstorms and hail, common during Florida’s hurricane season
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Lightning strikes
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Falling objects like tree limbs
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Damage from vehicles or aircraft
This means if your home in Pelican Bay suffers roof damage during a summer storm, your policy may help pay for repairs.
What Belongings Are Covered Inside Your Home
Items You Can Expect to Be Protected
Your policy also covers your personal property, both inside and sometimes outside the home. This is especially important for high-value homes with luxury furnishings.
Typical coverage includes:
Typical coverage includes:
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Furniture, electronics, and appliances
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Clothing and personal items
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Jewelry, art, or collectibles (often with set limits unless you purchase extra coverage)
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Items stolen from your car (though not the car itself)
We always recommend creating a home inventory, especially in upscale neighborhoods like Park Shore, where valuables are common.
Liability Protection You Might Not Realize You Have
How Your Policy Covers Legal Costs
Homeowners insurance also protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
Here’s what liability coverage usually includes:
Here’s what liability coverage usually includes:
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Medical expenses if a guest is injured
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Legal fees if you’re sued for injuries or damage
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Property damage you accidentally cause to others
For example, if someone trips on your driveway in Aqualane Shores, this coverage can keep you from paying legal fees out of pocket.
Extra Living Costs If You Can’t Stay at Home
What Loss of Use Coverage Includes
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, your policy may pay for living expenses while it’s being repaired.
This usually covers:
This usually covers:
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Hotel stays or short-term rentals
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Restaurant meals
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Laundry and other essentials
It’s a critical benefit in case a major repair displaces you from your Naples home for weeks or months.
What Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Common Exclusions to Be Aware Of
Not everything is covered, and it’s important to understand the limits of your policy.
Most standard policies exclude:
Most standard policies exclude:
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Flood damage (you’ll need separate flood insurance in coastal areas like Naples; in fact, many lenders require it for high-risk zones)
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Earthquakes and sinkholes
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Routine maintenance issues
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Pest infestations or mold from neglect
We always help our clients evaluate add-on policies that make sense for their property location and value.
FAQs
What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost covers the cost to replace an item with a new one, while actual cash value subtracts depreciation. Replacement cost is typically the better option.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Naples?
It depends on your policy. Wind damage is often covered, but flood damage is not unless you have separate flood insurance.
Can I customize my homeowners insurance coverage?
Yes, you can increase coverage limits, add endorsements, or bundle with other policies to tailor it to your needs.
Contact Us Today
If you’re buying or upgrading a home in Naples, don’t leave your investment exposed. We’ll walk you through the insurance considerations that matter most for luxury and waterfront properties.
Reach out to us at Griffin & Forbis, and we’ll help you navigate homeowners insurance with confidence. We're here to guide you every step of the way. Contact Robyn Pfister Griffin and Robert Forbis to get started today.
Reach out to us at Griffin & Forbis, and we’ll help you navigate homeowners insurance with confidence. We're here to guide you every step of the way. Contact Robyn Pfister Griffin and Robert Forbis to get started today.