Renovating? Tell Your Insurance Agent Before the Permit
South Shore homeowners renovate constantly — screen enclosures, pools, outdoor kitchens, converted garages, whole additions. Each one increases what it would cost to rebuild the home, and almost none of them make it onto the policy until a claim reveals the gap.
Update the dwelling limit
Your dwelling coverage should reflect current rebuild cost, including the addition you finished last spring. If it does not, a total loss settlement will be short by roughly the value of the improvement.
Some policies also apply a coinsurance-style penalty when the home is significantly underinsured, which can reduce even partial claim payments.
Pools, enclosures, and other structures
Pools, detached garages, sheds, fences, and screen enclosures fall under other structures coverage, typically capped at a percentage of the dwelling limit. In Florida, a screen enclosure alone can exceed that cap, and many policies limit or exclude screen damage from wind.
A pool also changes your liability exposure. Raise liability limits and consider an umbrella policy the same month the pool is finished.
During construction and after
For large projects, confirm whether the work is covered while in progress and whether your contractor carries general liability and workers compensation. Ask for certificates directly from their insurer.
When the project is complete, send me the permit, the final cost, and photos. A new roof or impact windows may also earn wind mitigation credits that offset part of the premium increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to tell my insurer about a renovation?
- Yes. Improvements raise rebuild cost, and an unreported addition can leave you underinsured at the time of a claim.
- Is my swimming pool covered by homeowners insurance?
- Typically under other structures coverage, which is capped at a percentage of the dwelling limit. Pools also increase liability exposure.
- Are screen enclosures covered for hurricane damage?
- Many Florida policies limit or exclude wind damage to screen enclosures, so the specific endorsement language needs to be checked.
- Can renovations lower my premium?
- Yes. A new roof, impact-rated windows, or upgraded electrical and plumbing can earn credits that partly offset the higher coverage amount.
Let's make sure your coverage matches your life
I'm Chaz Toomey, right here in Ruskin. Send me a few details and I'll review your policy or build a quote — no pressure.