Should You Get “Dwelling/Fire” Insurance in Fort Lauderdale?

Due to rising premiums across Florida, many homeowners are exploring alternatives to standard property insurance policies. While self-insurance is always an option, some are turning to other types of policies – including “dwelling/fire” insurance. But is this really the right choice for your property? What do you need to know before you choose this type of property insurance policy in Fort Lauderdale?

What Is “Dwelling/Fire” Insurance in Fort Lauderdale? 

“Dwelling/fire” insurance is an alternative to the traditional type of home insurance policy, which is called “all-perils.” You might also hear some insurers refer to “dwelling/fire” policies as “landlord insurance.” This type of policy is cheaper than standard home insurance, but it provides less coverage.

A dwelling/fire policy generally covers losses associated with fires and most natural disasters. However, it may not provide any coverage for lost or damaged contents. It also generally fails to cover injuries on your property, most forms of water damage, and loss of use. If you have “loss of use” coverage, the insurance company will pay for your living costs while your home undergoes repairs.

Why Are People Choosing Fire/Dwelling Insurance? 

Despite its reduced coverage, many people are choosing fire/dwelling insurance in Fort Lauderdale and across the Sunshine State. This is largely due to the increased cost of property insurance in Florida, as rising premiums are causing serious economic pressure for numerous residents. Some people choose fire/dwelling insurance because they legitimately have no other choice, and they are forced to reduce their premiums at all costs.

Some analysts also say that an increase in rental units could explain the uptick in fire/dwelling policies. Since this type of insurance is popular among landlords, an increase in rental developments could explain this trend.

Is Fire/Dwelling Insurance the Right Choice in Fort Lauderdale?

Property insurance costs are higher in Fort Lauderdale than in most other locations across the country. This means that fire/dwelling insurance could be particularly popular in this location. But is it really the right choice? While it’s true that switching to this policy could save you thousands of dollars each year, it could also increase the financial consequences of a major storm or disaster.

Note that you should be able to customize your home insurance policy to some degree, whether you choose fire/dwelling or open-perils. If you want to save money, you can explain what features you’d like to remove from your policy. Your insurance agent should explain the possibilities and their consequences carefully, but some attempt to conceal what might happen if you skip vital insurance coverage.

 Can a Property Insurance Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Help Me? 

At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our legal team is made up of a diverse combination of attorneys who are well-positioned to protect the legal rights and financial interests of policyholders. If your property insurance claim was denied, we can help. For a free consultation, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. With an office in Sunrise, we represent policyholders in Broward County and throughout the state of Florida.

Source:

tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/04/12/florida-dwelling-fire-insurance-risks/