Melbourne Insurance Quotes: Beauty and the Beast
Melbourne has about anything a Floridian could want: beautiful beaches, soothing climate, laid back culture; you may even see the Space Shuttle launch. Melbourne also has a low cost of living –about 8% lower than the U.S. average. In 2006, Money Magazine named Melbourne one of its “Best Places to Live,” but one area that gives Melbourne residents the shivers faster than a flying cockroach in a living room is shopping for insurance. It’s confusing, complicated, and when you see some Melbourne insurance quotes, you’re liable to need a shot of oxygen, if not something stronger.
Weathering the Melbourne Insurance Storm
Living in Florida comes with about every natural act you can think of: hurricane, fire, flood, hail, tornado, tropical storms, sink holes, reptiles of unusual size (ROUS). It’s no wonder Florida homeowners insurance is pricey. Look at 2004’s crazy Hurricane Charley. This nut tore through the Caribbean, flattened the Florida Gulf Coast, and then tracked across the Sunshine State’s belly, pounding Orlando and then trailing up the Atlantic coast, all at a cost of $18 billion. And of course before that, 1992’s Hurricane Andrew squashed the Atlantic coast, making it the second costliest hurricane on record, just under Katrina.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida ranks 5th in the nation for most expensive premiums ($1,534). And this doesn’t even include flood coverage, which, if you live in Melbourne, chances are you’ll need that on top of your regular policy. For that, you can figure anywhere from $500 to $2,800 for dwelling and contents added to Melbourne insurance quotes.
Because part of your policy will include a windstorm provision, one of the best ways to lower your homeowner’s premium in Melbourne is to get a wind inspection. A State Certified Inspector for Wind Mitigation would inspect your home for items like hurricane straps/clips, window shutter protection and how your roof’s shingles are attached. Having these features could significantly lower your premium.
Taking a Ride
Shopping for Melbourne insurance quotes for your car? I’m afraid the news here isn’t much more comforting. Florida has some of the highest rates in the country. The good news is that the minimum requirements are meager compared to most states: $10,000 for Personal Injury Protection and $10,000 Property Damage. And if you’re 55 or older, you’re eligible to take an accident prevention course that gives you a mandatory rate reduction for three years.
Mitigating Melbourne Costs
The Melbourne insurance future may not look too bright at the moment. But there are ways to save and shop smartly. Like NetQuote. NetQuote is free, easy and allows you to comparison shop for a handful of Melbourne insurance quotes faster than it takes you to dry off after a cold shower in the summer.
