Insurance Shopping Timeline: When to Start So It Doesn't Delay Closing (2026)

If you're buying in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, or Weston, treat insurance like a core part of your contract timeline, not a last-week task. This matters when budgeting for the full cost of homeownership, not just your mortgage payment.

Phase 1: Before You Offer – Florida Home Insurance Timeline 2026

7–14 days before you write an offer

Goal: Know whether a home is likely to be insurable and affordable.

Do this:

• Ask your loan officer what insurance payment range was used in your pre-approval so your numbers reflect today's market.

• Build a "quote-ready" checklist:

• Year built

• Roof age/type (and permits, if available)

• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC updates

• HOA/condo or single-family

• Flood zone likelihood

Why this matters: Two similar homes can produce very different insurance outcomes. That difference alone can impact approval, even when using low down payment options.

Takeaway: Early insurance planning protects your budget and prevents surprises during underwriting.

Why this matters: Two similar homes can produce very different insurance outcomes. That difference alone can impact approval, even when you don't need 20% down to buy a home in South Florida:

Phase 2: Once You're Under Contract – Start Insurance Quotes Immediately

Day 1–2 after contract acceptance

Goal: Start quotes early so underwriting doesn't stall later.

Do this:

• Request 2–3 insurance quotes right away.

• Share your closing date and confirm binding requirements.

• Schedule inspections if needed:

• 4-point inspection

• Wind mitigation inspection

Insurance delays are increasingly common as buyers underestimate how much Florida home insurance costs and how underwriting has tightened.

Day 3–7

Goal: Respond quickly to underwriting requests.

Expect requests for:

• Roof documentation

• Electrical or plumbing updates

• Prior claim history

• Inspection reports

Tip: If one insurer slows down or declines, move to your backup immediately. Waiting is what causes delays.

Takeaway: Fast response times prevent underwriting bottlenecks and keep your closing on track.

Prior claim history

Phase 3: Mid-Contract – Confirm, Don't Assume

Day 8–14

Goal: Lock in the carrier, premium range, and requirements.

Do this:

• Confirm when the policy can be bound.

• Ask your lender what insurance documents are needed and by when.

• Confirm flood insurance requirements and escrow impact.

This step matters because many buyers underestimate what Florida home insurance actually costs in 2026 until it's too late.

Takeaway: Confirming details now prevents last-minute surprises and document scrambles.

Ask your lender what insurance documents are needed and by when.

Phase 4: Final Week Before Closing – Avoid Florida Insurance Delays

5–7 days before closing

Goal: Deliver final documents so underwriting can clear.

Do this:

• Bind the policy (if not already bound).

• Send the binder or declarations page immediately.

• Verify:

• Correct named insured

• Exact property address

• Correct mortgagee clause

• Proper effective date

Common last-week delay: Small paperwork errors that trigger re-review days before closing.

Takeaway: Double-check all details to avoid paperwork errors that can delay your closing.

Bind the policy (if not already bound).

Red flags that mean you should start even earlier

Start insurance shopping as soon as you have an address if you see:

• Older roof or missing permits

• Aging electrical or plumbing

• Prior water damage

• Condo or HOA complexities

• Flood zone uncertainty

These issues often overlap with financing limitations. Buyers should understand condo financing eligibility early before assuming insurance will be simple.

Final takeaway

In 2026, insurance is no longer a last-minute task. It's a timeline item that affects affordability, loan approval, and closing dates. Buyers who plan early protect their deal long before closing week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start insurance quotes in Florida?

Start getting quotes 7–14 days before writing an offer, and finalize your policy within the first 2 days after going under contract.

Do I need flood insurance before closing?

If your home is in a FEMA high-risk flood zone and you're using a mortgage, flood insurance is typically required before closing. Check your flood zone early to avoid delays.

Next steps

• Get pre-approved in minutes: Start your application now

• Explore Florida homebuyer programs: Learn about low-down-payment and first-time buyer options

• Book a strategy call: Schedule a call to review your plan and avoid costly mistakes

EZ Funding Group, Inc. NMLS #349022 | Jaime Charouf NMLS #348964 | Equal Housing Lender