What Questions Should I Ask My Agent When My Policy Renews?
Use the free tool — RenewalDecoder
Why Renewal Time Matters
Your renewal declarations page is not the same as last year's page, even if the company didn't tell you much changed. Coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions can shift. This is not insurance advice. Always confirm details with your agent or the company before you rely on anything here.
Questions About What Changed
- What exactly changed between my old policy and this renewal? Ask for a side-by-side, not just a summary.
- Did my dwelling coverage limit go up or down, and why?
- Did my deductible amounts change, especially the hurricane or wind deductible?
- Is my premium change because of something about my home, or because of a company-wide rate change?
Questions About Wind, Flood, and Roof Clauses
Florida policies often treat wind, flood, and roof damage differently from other perils. These clauses are worth asking about directly, in plain language.
- Does this policy cover wind damage, or is there a separate wind policy or exclusion?
- Is flood covered at all under this policy, or do I need a separate flood policy?
- Is there a roof-specific clause? Does the age or condition of my roof limit what I'd be paid if it's damaged?
- If my roof is older, does the policy pay full replacement cost or an adjusted amount based on age?
Questions About What Isn't Covered
- What are the specific exclusions listed on this renewal?
- Are there any new exclusions compared to last year?
- If something isn't covered, is there an endorsement I could add, and what would it cost?
What's Still Unknown Until You Ask
No guide can tell you what your specific policy says. Every Florida policy is different, and companies word their wind, flood, and roof clauses differently. The only way to know for sure is to read your own declarations page carefully and ask your agent to explain anything unclear. If your agent can't explain a clause, ask them to get an answer from the underwriting department.
What to Do Next
You don't have to read your renewal declarations page alone. RenewalDecoder is a free tool that reads your own document and numbers. Paste your renewal declarations page in, and it will show you what changed, explain what the wind, flood, and roof clauses actually mean, flag what isn't covered, and give you a list of questions to ask your agent. It is Florida-specific. It is not insurance advice, and you should still confirm anything important with your agent or the company.