That's a tough one.

Allegedly, the insurance rates are soon to go down, as our wonderful legislature passed some stupid non-reform bill back in Feb.

You are in Collier county - a county with a high premium, and your policy likely has a 2% hurricane deductible. You can up your deductible to 5% or 10%, which could save you some money. Also, you should get a discount for your shutters and such. BTW - screened pool enclosures, fences, and the like are not covered at all.

I hate to say it, but I think 2k per year isn't bad. I pay 6k per year (and taxes of 10k). When I bought the house 3 years ago, it was 2k (and 4k for taxes). My boat insurance costs 10k per year, with a 10% named storm deductible.

Collier county has storm experience - Charley came in just north of you, to devastating effect. People are living in FEMA trailers 3 years later.

I think I'd probably do it, and hope something happens in Tallahassee to get some relief. If another Charley comes through, you could be looking at a hell of a clean up bill. Even without much in the way of structural damage, a week without power will turn your house into a 50k mold and mildew salvage job.

If we go another year or two with fewer storms, more insurers will come back, and rates will drop some.

So, with all insurance, it gets down to this - are you willing to risk it?