E068: Homeowner’s Insurance 101: Coverage, Gaps & Money-Saving Tips with Clive Gavin

Selling St Pete with Nicole Saunches

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Selling St. Pete with Nicole Saunches

Guest: Clive Gavin, State Farm Insurance Agent (FL)

Contact: [phone] • [email protected]

Episode Snapshot

Homeowner’s insurance has become one of the hottest—and most confusing—topics in Tampa Bay real estate. In this episode, Nicole sits down with returning guest Clive Gavin of State Farm Insurance to break down exactly what you need to know about protecting your home. They dig into what a standard HO policy covers (and what it doesn’t), why liability limits matter more than most people think, flood insurance realities even in X-zones, and the biggest coverage mistakes that cost homeowners thousands.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or snowbird, this episode is packed with insights on reducing risk, saving money, and staying properly insured in a rapidly shifting market.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• What a Standard Policy Covers (and Doesn’t)
• Fire, theft, vandalism, wind/hurricane, sudden pipe breaks—and where riders or endorsements fill the gaps.
• Replacement Cost vs. ACV
• Why you should insure your dwelling and personal property at replacement cost, not depreciated value.
• Liability Blind Spots
• From dog bites to pool accidents—why Clive recommends $300K–$500K+ liability limits and when an umbrella policy is worth it.
• Primary vs. Rental Properties
• Why landlords need higher liability coverage, Loss of Rents protection, and renters insurance requirements.
• Seasonal & Snowbird Risks
• How to prevent small maintenance issues from becoming massive claims when you’re away.
• Condo vs. PUD Policies
• Confirming classification with the county appraiser before buying coverage—and reviewing HOA master policies carefully.
• Flood Insurance Realities
• The 30-day wait, X-zone myths, and why NFIP vs. private market options matter (plus ALE limitations).
• Hurricane & Wind Deductibles
• Understanding 2–10% deductibles and how they can impact your pocketbook after a storm.
• Inspections that Matter
• 4-Point and Wind Mitigation reports can make or break eligibility—share clean reports with buyers.
• Roof Age & Drones
• How carriers monitor roof condition, why permits matter, and how to get discounts for upgrades.
• Premium-Reduction Tips
• Tree trimming, soft-washing roofs, updating your agent after upgrades, and when shopping around makes sense.
• Must-Have Riders
• Water/sewer backup, mold remediation, increased water-damage limits, personal articles coverage, and umbrella liability.
• Policy Right-Sizing
• Re-run replacement cost after renovations—don’t rely on market value for coverage.

Bottom line: Preventive maintenance + right endorsements + adequate liability = protection for your biggest asset.

Chapter Guide

• 00:00 – Welcome & why insurance is so confusing right now
• 01:05 – What a standard HO policy covers (cause & effect)
• 02:20 – Replacement cost vs ACV; liability blind spots
• 04:15 – Citizens vs. private carrier liability recommendations
• 05:10 – Rentals, Loss of Rents & renters insurance requirements
• 06:40 – Seasonal owners & unattended property risks
• 07:30 – Condo vs PUD & HOA master policy reviews
• 09:35 – Affordability challenges, Citizens, flood mandates
• 12:00 – Depopulation letters: what to do
• 13:05 – Hurricane vs wind vs flood & % deductibles
• 15:10 – X-zone myths & flood ALE limitations
• 19:05 – Insurance trends impacting buyers & sellers
• 20:50 – 4-Point/Wind-Mit’s effect on deals
• 22:05 – Roof inspections, wind-mit savings & upgrade notifications
• 24:05 – Opening-protection myths & condo wind-mit wins
• 26:10 – Permits, claims & home warranties
• 30:00 – When shopping coverage makes sense
• 31:10 – Tree trimming, roof maintenance & premium savings
• 32:20 – Market shifts, storms & legislation
• 34:15 – Post-storm roof fraud warnings
• 35:30 – Must-have riders & water damage buy-backs
• 37:00 – Renovations & recalculating replacement cost
• 38:00 – Why ACV is risky for homes
• 39:00 – Jewelry, firearms & collectibles coverage
• 40:30 – What upgrades actually impact premium
• 42:00 – Insuring to rebuild cost vs market value
• 43:30 – Closing thoughts & how to reach Clive

Resources Mentioned

• Clive Gavin, State Farm — [phone] • [email protected]
• 4-Point & Wind Mitigation Inspections — ask your inspector; typical bundle ~$100–$225
• County Appraiser Site — confirm PUD vs Condo classification before choosing policy type
• NFIP Flood Insurance — expect a 30-day waiting period; consider policy transfer at purchase

Connect with Nicole

🌐 SellingStPeteFL.com

🎙 Selling St. Pete with Nicole Saunches

📸 Instagram: @SellingStPeteFL

Disclaimer

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Policies vary by carrier and change over time—consult a licensed insurance professional for your specific situation.

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a neighbor—especially one who still thinks “X-zone means no flood risk.”