Solar Panels, Screen Enclosures, and Pools: Are They Properly Insured?
Your home isn’t the only thing you’ve invested in. But are your solar panels, pool, and screen enclosure properly protected?
Florida homeowners often add features that make a property more comfortable, efficient, and valuable. Solar panels, swimming pools, and screened enclosures are popular examples—but they can also create insurance questions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Solar Panels: Don’t Assume They’re Automatically Covered
Solar panels can be a significant investment, and coverage can depend on how the panels are installed, classified, and addressed under your policy.
Florida’s Department of Financial Services notes that solar panels and damage caused by their installation may not be covered under every homeowners policy. Additional coverage or an endorsement may be necessary.
If you’ve installed solar panels, ask:
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Are the panels included in my homeowners coverage?
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Are there exclusions related to installation or damage?
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Are there specific coverage limits?
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Does my policy address damage from wind or other covered perils?
Screen Enclosures: A Florida Favorite With a Coverage Catch
Pool cages and screened enclosures are particularly important in Florida, but they aren’t necessarily treated the same way by every insurer.
Some companies may limit or exclude hurricane damage to screened enclosures and offer separate coverage or endorsements. Florida DFS notes that available limits can vary and recommends checking whether you have enough coverage.
That means a homeowner shouldn’t simply assume that a damaged screen enclosure will be fully covered after a storm.
Swimming Pools: Think Beyond the Pool Itself
A swimming pool can create both property and liability considerations.
Depending on the policy and how the pool is situated on the property, it may fall under different coverage provisions. Some policies may also exclude or limit pool coverage, making it important to understand exactly what your policy provides.
And there’s another consideration: liability.
If a guest is injured in or around your pool, your homeowners liability coverage may become important. Proper pool maintenance and safety measures can also matter when an insurer evaluates the property.
Your Home Has Changed. Has Your Insurance?
The biggest mistake is waiting until a loss occurs to find out how your improvements are treated.
If you’ve recently added solar panels, built a pool, installed a screen enclosure, or made other major improvements, tell your insurance agent and review your policy.
Check:
Coverage limits. Are they enough to repair or replace the feature?
Deductibles. Does a particular loss trigger a hurricane or other applicable deductible?
Exclusions. Are certain structures or types of damage excluded?
Endorsements. Is additional coverage available or necessary?
Liability protection. Does your coverage adequately address risks associated with features such as swimming pools?
Don’t Assume. Check.
Your homeowners policy may provide coverage for some of these features, but coverage varies by insurer and policy. Florida DFS recommends reviewing the actual policy and available endorsements to identify potential gaps.
You’ve invested in improving your home. Make sure your insurance keeps up with it.
Triton Insurance Group can help review your current coverage, identify potential gaps, and compare available options.
GET A FRESH LOOK AT YOUR COVERAGE
Or reply directly to this email or contact us today to discuss your insurance options.
Best regards,
Triton Insurance Group
(305) 842-3601
info@totalpropertyinsurance.com