In fact, Sanibel and Captiva Island homes have options most mainland homes do not. Due to these options, island homes are often easier and less expensive to insure than many mainland homes!
Typical homeowner policies cover the building and personal property for a wide range of perils, including wind and hurricane. However, Florida barrier islands, including Sanibel and Captiva, are in the state’s “wind pool”, where coverage for wind is often split out and covered by its own policy.
This wind-only policy allows you to shop this coverage independently of your main coverage and often results in lower overall cost of insurance. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is usually the best choice as it is the safest and least expensive option for most consumers. Citizens is owned and operated by the State of Florida and it is currently the 2nd largest insurer in the State.
Also helpful, is that the City of Sanibel was an early adopter of some of the toughest building codes in the Country. In the early 90’s a new and enhanced roof truss hold-down strap known as the ‘Sanibel Strap’ was created and named after the City where it was initially used to provide enhanced protection against hurricane force winds. These strict building codes help reduce the cost of insurance, sometimes even for older Sanibel Island homes.
Keep a lookout for future articles on insuring your Island home.
About Christopher W. Heidrick
