ASK THE EXPERT
HOME INSURANCE LYNETTE BARBA, ALLSTATE
Q
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE VARIABLES THAT AFFECT THE COST OF HOMEOWNER INSURANCE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA?
After years of a stagnant economy, real estate construction is rebounding to its pre-recession peak. That’s particularly true in Central Florida, which boasts one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States. If you’re thinking about living the American Dream and purchasing a home, then it’s wise to educate yourself on homeowner insurance. Lynette Barba has owned her Allstate Insurance agency in Mount Dora for nearly 21 years and represents 10 different homeowner companies. We asked her about some of the variables that affect the cost of homeowner insurance in Central Florida.
2) “What shape of roof does your home have? Some homes are built with hip roofs, while others are built with gable roofs. Hip roofs are more wind-resistant and can withstand storms and hurricanes better. Therefore, there is an insurance discount for homeowners in Florida with hip roofs.” 3) “Another factor that determines the cost of homeowner
insurance is whether the home was built with concrete block walls or with frame construction. Homes with concrete block walls are better protected against hurricane and fire damage, and as a result homeowner insurance will cost less.” 4) “How close your home is to fire stations and fire hydrants can also affect the cost of
1) “One of the biggest variables affecting premiums is the year the home was built. Homes built in 2002 to the present have been built using updated Florida building codes, which make the home more resistant to wind damage. This could cut the price of your policy in half.”
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homeowner insurance. If you live within five miles of a fire station and within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant, your insurance will cost less.” Throughout the years, Lynette has developed a stellar reputation for providing sound, honest advice to help clients protect their assets. “Insurance is complicated, and the advice we give is very technical,” she says. “Meeting with clients face to face allows me to delve deeper into the details and lets me feel comfortable that I’m doing what’s best for each individual client. I also realize that clients desire accurate and current information about the insurance industry, including new discount opportunities, which is why I conduct annual insurance reviews each year.” Lynette’s office is at 1904 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. For more information, call 352.383.2002.
