Frances King Insurance Agency

111 Solana Road suite B Ponte Vedra Beach FL (904) 273-9838


Frequently Asked Questions

Wasn’t your agency an “exclusive” Nationwide agency?  If you are an independent agency, how can you still service and sell Nationwide policies?

In Florida, Nationwide still believed they needed to reduce the amount of property they insured so they could feel confident about paying claims and remaining solvent, even in the worst foreseeable events. So, in Florida only, Nationwide allowed all their agents to become true independent agents, yet maintain their existing Nationwide policies and write new ones (as allowed) as well.  This way, agents could continue to grow the value of their agencies despite Nationwide’s intent to reduce their property exposure.  No one other than former Nationwide exclusive agents can sell or service Nationwide policies at this time.

If my Homeowners policy is not renewed by my current company, can I get another policy?

The Frances King Insurance Agency contracts with over half a dozen Homeowners insurance companies AND writes for Citizens (the state of Florida’s property insurance facility).  There are VERY few situations in which we cannot provide a quote for you.  We want to find the best policy with the best coverage at the best price for you.

What makes one house easier or cheaper to insure than another?

There are many factors that affect availability and price of Homeowners insurance.  Because Florida’s building codes became far more stringent in 2002, homes built in 2002 or later are very easy to insure regardless of value and location and receive substantial discounts.  If a house is “coastal”, meaning close to the ocean, it can often cost more than the same house further inland.  All other things being equal, masonry (brick or concrete block) houses cost less than frame (wood, siding, stucco, etc.) houses.  Monitored security systems result in discounts universally, and sometimes houses in gated communities get a discount also.  Older homes usually cost more to insure and may even require documentation of updates on the roof, wiring, heating, and plumbing just to write the policy.

How does your agency decide which quote to give?

Regardless of the type of insurance-  auto, home, whatever- our ONLY consideration is giving you the best coverage at the best price.  We never take commission rate or production requirements, or ANY other factor into consideration.  When we do what is best for YOU, we will ultimately benefit by our reputation, referrals, and retaining customers.  We give you all the relevant information to help you decide what is best for you.

What is “flood” insurance and why would I (or wouldn’t I) have it?

“Flood” is rising water coming into a house from the outside, when normally dry areas have standing water.  FLOOD IS NOT A COVERED EVENT UNDER ANY HOMEOWNERS POLICY FROM ANY COMPANY!  If a pipe or hose ruptures inside the house, or water comes in through an opening made by wind, that is NOT flooding- that is water damage and is usually covered by a Homeowners policy.

If your house is in a higher risk flood zone as determined by FEMA, any mortgage company would require you to purchase a flood policy.  If it is in a lower risk area, the mortgage company would not require you to purchase a flood policy, but you still can buy one- then you're eligible to buy a “preferred flood package” at a lower cost. (FEMA says that ONE THIRD of all flood damage claims paid are for buildings NOT in the high risk zones!)

You would purchase a flood insurance policy if it was required, or if you did not want to be exposed to uninsured damage from rising water even if it is not required.  The costs for flood insurance are low- no more than $317 per year in a low risk zone, and typically under $450 even in higher risk zones- for the maximum limits sold ($250K on the house and $100K on the contents).