Buying your first home is exciting. Buying your first home in Florida? That comes with a few extra things to think about.

Between hurricanes, flooding, rising insurance costs and the many different coverage options available, homeowners insurance can quickly become one of the more confusing parts of the homebuying process.

The good news is that you don't need to become an insurance expert before closing day. You just need to know what questions to ask and what to look for.

Use this checklist as a starting point when shopping for insurance for your first Florida home.

1. Start Shopping for Insurance Early

Don't wait until the week before closing to start looking for homeowners insurance.

The cost and availability of coverage can vary significantly depending on the home you're purchasing. Its age, location, roof, electrical system, plumbing and other features can all affect your options.

Getting an insurance professional involved early can also help uncover potential concerns before you're too far into the buying process.

2. Understand What Your Homeowners Policy Covers

A standard homeowners policy generally provides several types of protection, including coverage for the structure of your home, personal belongings, liability and additional living expenses if a covered loss temporarily makes your home uninhabitable.

But every policy is different.

Instead of focusing only on the premium, take time to understand what is actually covered, what isn't and how much protection you're purchasing.

A lower premium isn't necessarily a better deal if it leaves you with coverage gaps you weren't expecting.

3. Know Your Hurricane Deductible

Florida homeowners should pay particular attention to hurricane deductibles.

Unlike a standard flat deductible, a hurricane deductible may be calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value. That means your out-of-pocket responsibility after a hurricane could be considerably higher than the deductible you normally associate with your policy.

Before choosing coverage, ask what your hurricane deductible is and what that amount would mean in actual dollars.

4. Don't Assume Flood Insurance Is Included

This is an important one: standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding.

Living outside a high-risk flood zone doesn't mean flooding can't happen.

Ask about the property's flood risk and whether purchasing a separate flood insurance policy makes sense for your situation. Your mortgage lender may require flood insurance in certain areas, but even when it isn't required, it's worth discussing.

5. Pay Attention to the Roof

In Florida, your roof can have a major impact on your insurance options.

Insurers may consider the roof's age, condition and material when determining eligibility and pricing. Before purchasing a home, find out when the roof was installed and whether documentation is available.

A newer roof or certain wind-resistant features may also help qualify a home for insurance discounts.

6. Ask About a Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection looks at features that may help your home withstand strong winds, such as the roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, roof deck attachment and protection for windows and doors.

If the home has qualifying features, the inspection could help you receive discounts on your homeowners insurance.

For Florida homebuyers, it's worth asking whether a current wind mitigation report already exists or whether you should have one completed.

7. Find Out if You Need a Four-Point Inspection

Depending on the age of the home and the insurance carrier, you may be asked to provide a four-point inspection.

This inspection generally focuses on four major systems:

• Roof
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC

The results can affect which insurance companies are willing to cover the property, so this is another reason to start the insurance process early.

8. Look Beyond the House Itself

Your homeowners policy isn't only about rebuilding the physical structure.

Think about everything inside your home, too. Furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances and other belongings can add up quickly.

Ask how your personal property would be covered after a loss and whether the policy provides replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. The difference could have a major impact on how much you receive after a claim.

If you own particularly valuable items, such as jewelry, artwork or collectibles, ask whether you need additional coverage for them.

9. Don't Forget Liability Coverage

Homeownership comes with responsibility.

If someone is injured on your property or you're found legally responsible for certain types of damage or injury, personal liability coverage may help protect you financially.

Talk with your insurance agent about an appropriate liability limit for your situation and whether an umbrella policy may make sense as your assets grow.

10. Ask About Available Discounts

Before finalizing your policy, ask which discounts may be available.

Depending on the home and insurer, you may qualify for savings based on wind mitigation features, security or protective devices, a newer roof or other factors. You may also be able to save by placing your home and auto insurance with the same carrier.

The key is to ask. You don't want to leave a potential discount on the table simply because you didn't know it existed.

Make Insurance One Less Thing to Worry About

There's already a lot to think about when buying your first home. Insurance shouldn't be something you choose simply because you need a policy before closing.

Taking the time to understand your coverage can help you know what you're paying for and, more importantly, how you're protected when you need it.

Mulling Insurance has been helping Florida families protect what matters to them for more than 70 years. If you're buying your first home, our team can help you understand your options, compare coverage and find a policy that fits your new home and your needs.

Buying your first Florida home? Contact Mulling Insurance and let us help you check insurance off your to-do list.

 Kevin Mulling, CIC | Vice President

As Vice President of Mulling Insurance, Kevin uses his decades of insurance industry experience and knowledge as a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) to help customers with their policies. He takes pride in leading his team and carrying forward the family business's strong commitment to community and family values.