When you own a home in Florida, you've got a few unique risks to keep in mind that you wouldn't in other areas of the country. Alligators are a huge threat to residents of the state, as well as to their property. That's why it's so important to fully understand what your homeowners insurance covers.

Fortunately a Florida independent insurance agent can not only get you equipped with the right homeowners insurance, but also break down exactly what your policy covers. Even better, they'll get you covered before you have to file a claim. But first, here's a look at how and when home insurance covers gator invasions.

Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage from Alligators in FL?

Florida homeowners insurance covers alligator destruction and invasion, but only to an extent. According to insurance expert Jeffery Green, homeowners insurance covers animal damage to the dwelling structure, but not to your contents. So, while the exterior of your home is protected from gator attacks, your personal property isn't.

If an alligator broke through your pool cage, the damage would be covered after you paid the deductible amount. But if the alligator then ate all your pool furniture, unfortunately you’d be out of luck. An independent insurance agent can further explain how your home insurance protects against gator invasions.

Can I Add this Coverage to My Policy?

Green said that no, there's no standard endorsement for wild animal damage or destruction to your property. So sadly, while your many policies come with built-in coverage for a home's structure against gator attacks, etc., your belongings are left vulnerable. If you own a home in Florida, you might want to be extra careful about where you store your property, especially things like outdoor furniture. 

It's important to review your own homeowners insurance policy with your independent insurance agent, though. As some residents of Florida have had to find out the hard way, their policy actually excluded all types of wild animal damage. Make sure you understand your policy's limits before any home invasions by gators ever happen.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in Florida?

Standard homeowners insurance provides a ton of critical coverage, and not just against gator damage. Homeowners insurance in Florida comes with the following protections:

• Dwelling coverage: Homeowners policies provide protection for the dwelling, or physical structure, of your home against many perils like lightning, fire, gator attacks, etc.
• Contents coverage: Homeowners policies also provide coverage for your contents, or personal property, like furniture, clothing, etc. inside the home, but unfortunately gator damage isn't a covered peril.
• Loss of use: If your home gets so badly damaged that you're forced to live elsewhere while awaiting repairs, your home insurance policy is likely to cover the associated costs.
• Liability coverage: Home insurance also provides liability protection against lawsuits filed by third parties for claims of property damage or bodily injury.

A Florida independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the home insurance you need to protect yourself and your property from numerous threats, not just alligators.

Can I Get Coverage in Any Part of Florida, or Only for Waterfront Properties?

You can get homeowners insurance regardless of where your home is located in Florida. But if you own a waterfront property, you'll probably need more coverage beyond just a standard homeowners insurance policy. Waterfront properties are at a much higher risk of flood damage, so you'll more than likely also be required to get flood insurance to protect against natural water destruction. 

Examples of Gator Damage in Florida

In one year alone, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received nearly 14,000 complaints about alligators, and removed just over 7,500 from personal property. 

Alligators can and do cause all kinds of damage to homes and other property. It's important to be familiar with examples of gator damage in Florida, so you can better prepare and protect your home.

Some common examples of gator damage in Florida:

• Smashed windows: When gators invade the home, it's typically through the window.  
• Dirty pools: It's common for residents to find alligators in their swimming pools, which of course then need to be drained and refilled. 
• Burrowing damage: Alligators like to burrow to escape cold temperatures, which can lead to damage to your yard, etc.
• Pet and livestock injury or death: Alligators prey on smaller animals, whether they be household pets like dogs, or livestock like goats.
• Physical injury or death: Though much less common, sometimes alligators do attack humans, which can lead to severe injury or death.

Knowing your home's biggest target areas for alligators can be extremely helpful in preparing your property against invasions. 

Here’s How a Florida Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Independent insurance agents are fully equipped to protect homeowners against commonly faced disasters. Florida independent insurance agents shop multiple carriers to find providers who specialize in home insurance. 

They can deliver quotes from a number of different sources and help you walk through them all to find the best blend of coverage and cost.