Personal insurance
Personal insurance for Tampa Bay
Seven kinds of coverage from 14 carriers. Each section says what the policy pays for and the Florida details people miss.
Home insurance
Pays to repair or rebuild your house and replace your belongings after wind, hail, fire, theft and other covered losses. It also covers you when someone gets hurt on your property.
- The house, attached garage and built-in systems
- Furniture, clothes and electronics
- Hotel and meal costs while repairs happen
- Liability and small medical bills for guests
Hurricane deductibles are a percentage. On a $400,000 home, a 2% deductible is $8,000. Roof age also decides which carriers will quote, and a wind mitigation inspection can lower your premium.
Plain-English guide
Your home policy, part by part
Every home policy uses the same six parts, labeled A through F. Pick a letter to see what it pays for.
Auto insurance
Florida requires personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability on every registered car. The minimums are low, so we show what each extra layer costs before you decide.
- Liability for injuries and damage you cause
- PIP for your own medical bills
- Uninsured motorist coverage when the other driver has too little insurance
- Collision and comprehensive for your own car
Bundling often lowers both bills. We price home and auto together and apart, so you see the real difference.
Flood insurance
Home and condo policies do not cover rising water. Flood insurance does, from storm surge to an overflowing retention pond.
- Building coverage up to $250,000 through the National Flood Insurance Program
- Contents coverage up to $100,000
- Private flood options for higher limits and faster start dates
Most new flood policies wait 30 days. Buy before a storm has a name. Homes outside high-risk zones flood too, and coverage there usually costs less.
Condo and renters insurance
Your association insures the building. A condo policy (often called HO-6) covers the walls in: flooring, cabinets, your belongings and your liability. A renters policy (HO-4) covers your belongings and liability for a small monthly cost.
- We read your association's master policy so you do not pay twice
- Loss assessment coverage for shared repair bills after a storm
Boat insurance
Covers your boat, your liability on the water, and the tow back to the ramp.
- Hull, motor, trailer and equipment
- Liability for injuries and damage to other boats or docks
- On-water towing and fuel delivery
- Help with the cost of hauling out before a named storm
Umbrella insurance
Adds $1 million or more of liability on top of your home, auto and boat policies. It matters most if you have a pool, a teen driver, rental property or savings to protect.
Life insurance
Sofia sizes coverage to your mortgage, income and kids' ages, then compares carriers for the price.
| Topic | Term life | Permanent life |
|---|---|---|
| How long it lasts | 10, 20 or 30 years | Your whole life |
| Cost | Lowest cost per dollar of coverage | Higher, and part builds cash value |
| Best for | Covering a mortgage and raising kids | Estate plans and lifelong needs |
Questions
Before you get a quote
Will asking for a quote change my current policy?
No. A quote changes nothing until you sign. Some carriers check an insurance score, which is a soft check that does not affect your credit.
Can you insure a home with an older roof?
Often, yes. Some carriers decline roofs past a certain age, and others accept them after an inspection. We know which carriers are open to older roofs this season.
How long does a quote take?
Most personal quotes come back within one business day. Business quotes take three to five business days.
Do I need flood insurance outside a flood zone?
Flood zones show risk, not certainty. Homes outside high-risk zones flood too, and flood coverage there usually costs less.
What happens at renewal?
Your agent reviews your policy about 60 days before it renews. If the price jumps or your needs changed, we re-shop it.
Not sure what you need?
Pick everything that applies. Your agent sorts out the right mix and calls within one business day.