For Canadian snowbirds and Ontario residents who own property in Florida, preparing for your upcoming winter escape involves more than just packing sunglasses and flip-flops.

Purchasing the right insurance for your Florida property is essential to protecting your investment. However, navigating the insurance landscape as a Canadian can present some additional considerations and challenges — but with the right guidance, you can ensure your Sunshine State retreat is well-protected.

Staebler Insurance has teamed up with Burke, Bogart & Brownell, an independent Boca Raton, FL-based insurance agency, to answer key questions and help clarify the process when purchasing an insurance policy in Florida.

Five Questions About Insuring Your Florida Property as a Canadian

1. Can my Canadian broker assist with insuring my Florida property?

Having a trusted Canadian Insurance Broker is a valuable resource, but our ability to assist with insurance in Florida is limited. Due to licensing restrictions, we cannot provide insurance policies for properties in the United States.

However, at Staebler Insurance, we’re always looking to support our customers by bringing solutions forward. We believe a qualified insurance agent, locally licensed and practices in Florida, is the best way to ensure you get the coverage that best meets your needs.

2. Will a Florida agent share information with my Canadian broker?

Staebler Insurance prioritizes collaboration. Most times, with your permission, another agent working for you can provide your Staebler Insurance Broker with copies of your policies and important correspondence. Open communication between your advisors ensures that your insurance coverage is comprehensive and well-coordinated.

3. Does being Canadian create challenges when purchasing Florida insurance?

Being Canadian does not inherently disadvantage you when buying insurance in Florida. However, the absence of a U.S. Social Security number or a Florida driver’s licence can pose temporary challenges. Underwriters rely on claims history, driving records, credit standing, and other factors to assess risk, and obtaining this information for non-U.S. residents, including Canadians, can require additional effort. A skilled Florida agent can help you effectively navigate these requirements.

4. What are the potential drawbacks for Canadians seeking Florida insurance?

There are a few considerations for Canadians looking for domestic Florida insurance coverage:

• Some insurance carriers may be hesitant to offer policies to non-residents
• Premiums may be slightly higher for the first 6–12 months until a Florida insurance history is established

These are minor and temporary hurdles that an experienced agent can often mitigate with proper planning.

5. How can Canadians address these insurance challenges?

To secure the best possible coverage, consider these steps:

• Partner with a Florida agent experienced in insuring out-of-state clients, particularly Canadians
• Allow additional time for your agent to gather necessary information and negotiate with underwriters
• Provide your Florida agent with requested documentation, such as proof of your Canadian insurance history, to streamline the underwriting process

Proactive cooperation and working with the right agent can make the process efficient and effective.

Have an Insurance Advisor with Experience in Florida

As a Canadian snowbird or Ontario resident with a Florida property, you deserve an insurance partner who understands your unique situation. One of those potential partners are Burke, Bogart & Brownell who helped answer questions for this feature and specialize in helping Canadians navigate the complexities of insuring homes, condos, and trailers in Florida. Their team provides clear guidance, collaborating with your Canadian broker, and securing coverage that gives you confidence in your winter home.

READ MORE: Lee Burke, founder of Burke, Bogart & Brownell, was recently featured in The Ontario Broker sharing the differences and challenges of the Florida insurance market and why their local experience can be so valuable to Canadians.

Your Next Steps to Insure in Florida

Protecting your Florida property starts with the right insurance. Reach out to a licensed and reputable Florida-based agent for a consultation to discuss your needs and explore your options. Whether you’re a seasoned snowbird or a new Florida homeowner, it’s important to have someone to help safeguard your winter getaway and investment.

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business insurance, and commercial insurance. Staebler Insurance Brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region, and all over beautiful Ontario, Canada. Get a Quote to get started today.