Question 1

Can I insure a beachfront home in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but not with every carrier. Properties very near the ocean are sometimes declined outright because of salt corrosion, storm surge and wind exposure. Alternative markets exist and do write these risks. A broker's value here is knowing which carrier will accept the address before you waste weeks.

Question 2

Why do carriers decline oceanfront properties?

Accepted Answer

Three reasons: salt air accelerates structural corrosion, storm surge concentrates losses in a narrow strip, and wind loads on exposed lots exceed inland norms. Carriers manage aggregate exposure by drawing distance-to-shore lines. A house 300 metres inland is routine; the same house on the sand may not be.

Question 3

Does maritime zone (zona marítimo terrestre) concession land affect coverage?

Accepted Answer

Concession property changes what is insurable. The land is state-owned and never insured, but the structure built under a valid concession can be. Carriers ask for the concession documentation during underwriting, so having it in order shortens the process considerably.

Question 4

What does salt corrosion mean for my claim?

Accepted Answer

Corrosion itself is deterioration and is excluded. If a coastal roof fails during a storm and the adjuster finds corroded fasteners, the claim can be reduced or denied. Documented maintenance — photographs, invoices for roof and railing work — is the practical defence against that outcome.

Question 5

How do I get a coastal property quoted?

Accepted Answer

Send the exact location, distance to the high tide line, construction type and reconstruction value. We approach the carriers that write coastal risk rather than filing an application that will be declined. Expect a pre-issuance inspection, and note that INS does not accept DocuSign for signature.