General 2min Read

Your Deductible, Your Budget, Your Choice

When it comes to protecting your home, choosing the right homeowners insurance deductible is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It directly affects your premium and how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket if you file a claim. Many homeowners don’t realize deductibles can be as low as $500. At Security First Insurance, we offer a range of options to help you find the best fit for your needs.

In Florida, you have flexibility. With our policies, you can select a flat dollar deductible—from $500 to $5,000—for both hurricane and other covered perils, or opt for a percentage-based deductible tied to your home’s insured value (Coverage A), typically ranging from 1% to 10%.

Contact us today to review your options and find the deductible that best suits your budget and provides peace of mind.

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Flat Dollar vs. Percentage Deductible: What’s the Difference?

Flat Dollar Deductible: A set amount you’ll pay if you file a claim. Example: If you choose $1,000, you’ll always pay $1,000 regardless of your home’s insured value.
Percentage Deductible: This is based on your home’s insured value (Coverage A). If your home is insured for $350,000, a 2% deductible equals $7,000.

Here’s how percentage deductibles break down for a home with a $350,000 Coverage A limit:

Deductible Option	Out-of-Pocket Cost
1%	$3,500
2%	$7,000
3%	$10,500
5%	$17,500
10%	$35,000

(Source: MyFloridaCFO – Hurricane Deductibles)

How Do You Decide Which Deductible Is Right for You?

Think about your financial comfort zone:

If you prefer lower out-of-pocket costs when disaster strikes, a lower deductible might make sense. Florida homeowners can even go as low as $500, giving you one of the smallest possible out-of-pocket costs if you ever need to file a claim.
If you’d rather pay a lower monthly premium and can afford a larger expense later, a higher deductible may be a suitable option.

Choosing your deductible is a balancing act between risk tolerance and budget—especially in Florida, where hurricanes are part of life—this decision matters more than ever.

Why Deductibles Matter in Florida

Florida policies have unique rules regarding hurricane deductibles. A hurricane deductible applies when a storm is officially declared a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), starting from the time watches or warnings are issued and lasting for 72 hours after they are canceled.

Every other type of loss—fire, theft, water damage—will use the “all other perils” deductible. Knowing which deductible applies in a given situation helps you avoid surprises.

Let’s Find the Sweet Spot Together

Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right deductible for you depends on your financial cushion, your comfort with risk, and your monthly budget goals. Choosing wisely can mean the difference between peace of mind and unexpected stress.

Not sure which deductible is right for you? Call our team today. We’ll walk you through the deductible options available through our policies and help you feel confident about your choice.

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