Understanding Your Policy

Do you know exactly what coverage you have for your home? Are you fully protected? There's nothing worse than to find out you're not covered after you experience a loss. Get all the information you need and make sure you have the right coverage for your home.

What makes up a policy?

Your policy consists of multiple documents (forms and endorsements) that together complete your policy package. The first page of your policy is the declarations (dec) page. It's important to review your dec page very carefully. Most of the critical information about the insurance policy will be listed on this page. Important underwriting information may also be listed. The dec page includes:

  • Policyholders name (if your name is not listed on the dec page you will not be able to make changes to the policy)
  • Location of the property that is insured
  • Value and replacement value of property (make sure you notify your agent if you've made any significant improvements to your home as this could effect the replacement value.)
  • Origination and expiration dates of the policy
  • The amount and limits of insurance coverage
  • Deductibles
  • Premium amount

Your insurance agent will be provided with a copy of your declarations page. It's always good to contact your agent and review your coverage to make sure everything is as it should be and your comfortable with your policy.

Additional forms and endorsements are also included in your policy package. Here's an explanation of the specific coverages, conditions and exclusions that may be included:

  • Dwelling (Coverage A) - Our policy provides coverage for the costs to repair damages to your home. Examples are damages to flooring, wall and ceiling coverings, window treatments and fixtures such as cabinets, lighting, counter tops and built-in appliances contained within your home.
  • Personal Property (Coverage C) - We offer coverage to repair or replace your personal belongings. Examples are furniture, clothing, jewelry, television, stereo, appliances and more.
  • Loss of Use (Coverage D) - If your home becomes uninhabitable our policy provides coverage for the additional costs you or your family incur while you are living away from your home.
  • Personal Liability Insurance (Coverage E) - Your policy contains coverage for damages and for the cost of providing a lawyer to defend the case if you or a family member who lives with you in your home is sued claiming you are responsible for injuring another person or damaging their property.
  • Medical Payments (Coverage F) - There is limited coverage available to pay the medical bills of others who claim you or a family member residing with you were responsible for their injury - even if you or the family member are not at fault.
  • Loss Assessment - Coverage is available up to the limit stated in the policy for assessments made by the condominium association if you're a condominium owner or an association of property owners.

How much coverage do you need?

Working with your Insurance Agent is the best way to determine the coverage you need for you and your family. Below are list of the limits provided to homeowners by Security First for the different policies we offer:

Homeowners Policy (HO-3)

  • Coverage A (Dwelling) - minimum of $100,000 ($125,000 minimum Coverage A in coastal counties) up to a maximum of 1,000,000*
  • Coverage B (Other Structures) - 2% to 70% of Coverage A
  • Coverage C (Personal Property) - 0% to 75% of Coverage A
  • Coverage D (Loss of Use) - 10% of Coverage A
  • Coverage E (Personal Liability) - $100,000 to $300,000
  • Coverage F (Medical Payments) - $1,000 to $5,000

Condominium Policy (HO-6)

  • Coverage A - minimum of $25,000 up to a maximum of 150,000*
  • Coverage B - N/A
  • Coverage C - minimum $15,000 up to a maximimum of $200,000*
  • Coverage D - 40% of Coverage C
  • Coverage E - $100,000 to $300,000
  • Coverage F - $1,000 to $5,000

Dwelling Fire/Renters Policy (DP-3)

  • Coverage A - $75,000 ($100,000 minimum Coverage A in coastal counties) to $1,000,000
  • Coverage B - 1% to 20% of Coverage A for the owner
  • Coverage C - $0 to $250,000 for the owner and $10,000 to $100,000 for the tenant
  • Coverage D and E - 10% of Coverage A for the owner
  • L/M (Personal Liability/Med Pay) - $100,000/$1,000 or $300,000/$5,000 for the owner and tenant

*Higher limits for each of the coverages listed above may be available and will require an extensive review from Security First Insurance's Underwriting division.

What deductibles do you need?

There are two deductibles included in your policy. You'll need to determine the amounts for each deductible that you are responsible for in the event of a loss. Below are the different amounts for each deductible that we offer:

  • All perils except Hurricane (all policies) - $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000
  • Hurricane (Homeowners HO-3 and Rental DP-3) - $500, 2%, 5%, 10% (% of Coverage A)
  • Hurricane (Condominium HO-6) - $500, $1000, $2500, $5,000

What about additional coverages?

There are other endorsements that are available that you can add to your policy that will provide you with additional coverage for your home. It's best to work with your insurance agent to discuss what is appropriate for your home. Below is a list of just some of the additional coverages offered on homeowners and condominium policies from Security First Insurance company:

  • Dog Liability
  • Personal Property Replacement
  • Personal Injury
  • Water Backup and Sump Overflow
  • Loss Assessment
  • Increased Replacement Cost on Dwelling
  • Scheduled Personal Property

Am I eligible for any credits and discounts?

Security First offers the below credits and discounts to homeowners and condominium owners:

  • Protective device credits: sprinklers inside your home, fire and burglar alarm
  • Wind mitigation: Your home may include certain building features that help protect against hurricane losses.
  • Shutter credit: We offer two levels of hurricane shutter credits.
  • Retiree credit: If you're over 55 and not working or over the age of 60 you'll receive a credit.
  • Age of construction for newer homes: Up to 50% credit is available on the non-hurricane portion of your premium.
  • Hip roof: This type of roof offers more protection against wind damage and provides a discount on your premium.

In order to take advantage of these credits and discounts there are certain procedures and forms that must be completed and/or submitted to Security First. Please see your insurance agent for more information and to check to see if you qualify.