The average cost of home insurance in Key West is $22,715 annually for a $300,000 policy with a $1,000 deductible, making it one of the most expensive areas in the country for coverage. The small island of Key West is vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, and wind damage due to its location off the Florida coast. Key West also has high property values, with a median sales price of $1.14 million.
Despite all these challenges, it’s still possible to find affordable coverage in Key West. Here’s what you need to know about Key West home insurance.
Home insurance in Key West is more expensive than the state and national averages.
A $300,000 policy with a $500 deductible costs $22,855 per year in Key West.
Due to a high risk of flooding, mortgage lenders may require Key West homeowners to purchase additional flood insurance.
Best home insurance companies in Key West
Though some insurers have left or reduced their coverage in Florida, many reputable home insurance companies still exist in Key West. The best insurance company for you will depend on your home’s value and any risk factors you face.
Here are some great options to help you get started.
Best company for bundling policies: State Farm
Best company for veterans: Armed Forces Insurance
Key West has a significant military history and is home to Naval Air Station Key West. Veterans and active military members living in Key West may want to consider Armed Forces Insurance. The insurer tailors homeowners insurance to service members and their unique needs, like deployment or frequent relocations.
Offers a hurricane mitigation discount for Florida residents
Offers flood coverage
Access is limited to military members, veterans, and their families
Doesn’t offer as many discounts as larger insurers
Best company for customized coverage: Nationwide
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national home insurance companies that sell policies in Key West to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to homeowners. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Cheapest home insurance companies in Key West
Homeowners insurance is expensive in Key West, making it even more important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. State Farm is the cheapest company overall, with an average annual rate of $6,597. Here are some other affordable insurers in Key West.
How much is home insurance in Key West?
On average, home insurance in Key West costs $22,715 annually for a $300,000 policy with a $1,000 deductible, making it significantly higher than both the state and national averages. These high rates are due to the area’s extreme weather risks. Key West’s coastal location and island nature put it at risk for hurricanes, windstorms, and flood exposure.1
Plus, many of the homes in Key West are older, especially in the Old Town area, which is a designated historic district. Older homes are often more expensive to insure because their outdated systems and materials make them more vulnerable to extreme weather.
Cost of home insurance by dwelling coverage in Florida
Your dwelling coverage applies to the physical structure of your home, and you need to carry coverage for at least 80% of the value of your home. Higher coverage amounts will increase your premiums because your insurance company is taking on more financial risk.
For example, if you purchase a $500,000 policy, your insurer will have to pay out significantly more following a claim than for someone with a $100,000 policy. The following table shows what Florida homeowners pay based on their coverage amount.
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible amount
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket after filing a claim before your home insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a lower deductible means you’ll pay less out of pocket, but your monthly premiums will be higher. A higher deductible increases your out-of-pocket costs, which will help you save on your monthly insurance premiums.2
The table below shows how your deductible affects your annual premium in Key West.
Average cost of home insurance in other cities in Florida
Home insurance costs can vary between Florida cities and even different ZIP codes within that city. For example, rates may be higher in areas with higher crime rates, hurricane exposure, or a history of flooding.
The table below shows how rates fluctuate between different Florida cities.
What to know about owning a home in Key West
Owning a home in Key West comes with several unique considerations:
Key West home insurance FAQs
Here’s some additional information you should know about Key West homeowners insurance.
The average monthly cost of home insurance in Key West is $1,893. If you live in an area that’s at risk for flooding, you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
State Farm is the cheapest insurer in Key West, with an average annual premium of $6,597. But that doesn’t mean State Farm will be the cheapest company for you, so it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from several insurers.
The 80% rule in homeowners insurance states that you must insure your home for at least 80% of its replacement cost. If you insure it for less than 80%, you may receive a reduced payout on any claims you file.
In Florida, a $500,000 home insurance policy costs $17,473 annually. But your exact costs will vary depending on your home, ZIP code, and individual coverage needs.
In Florida, the average property tax rate is 0.79%. But property taxes are a county-level tax, so the rates depend on which county you live in.4