Ways to Mitigate and Save on Your Homeowners Insurance
Reinforcing your home’s roof and structure against Florida’s harsh weather conditions will protect your family and can translate into credits and discounts on your homeowners policy. Read on, to learn how wind mitigation discounts and storm protection credits may be available on your policy if you are properly protected. Best of all, you may already have these roof features and not be aware of it.
The Need for Wind/Roof Mitigation Reports
Early Detection
Wind mitigation reports are conducted by licensed professionals who can identify areas of your home which may qualify for premium credits on your policy and start you saving.
Avenue to Credit and Discounts
Carriers may provide policy discounts and credits per Florida Statute upon receipt of a Wind/Roof Mitigation report. The report must detail the reinforcements and features eligible for discounts and/or credits.
Better Preparedness
Knowing what areas of your home and roof could use additional reinforcement allows you to save time and effort, while making preparations a breeze.
Increased Peace of Mind
Nothing beats the Peace of Mind of knowing you have done everything possible to secure your family and home. A Wind/Roof Mitigation report is another tool to help you save on your homeowners insurance policy.
Your Reinforcement Options
Roof mitigation refers to those aspects of your roof design which may reduce the risk of damage during high winds. In Florida, this means having a roof strong and sturdy enough to protect you, your loved ones, and your treasured belongings against common regional hazards like hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rain, and hail.
Roof Shape
Roofs with a downward slope on all four sides (aka hip roofs) are considered the best shape for Florida’s high-velocity winds; its aerodynamic design can minimize wind uplifting roofs during storms.
Roof Covering
High-quality roof coverings– like impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing, and tiles – can better protect your roof from damage caused by hail, wind, and wind-blown debris and may prevent leaks.
Roof Deck Attachment
Your roof deck is the flat surface between the trusses and shingles/tiles. When secured with appropriate nails and spacing, it can help prevent the roof from being lifted during high winds.
Roof-to-Wall Connections
Devices like hurricane clips or straps connect roof trusses to the house walls. This lessens the pull of high winds on your roof, allowing your home to better withstand extreme weather.
Secondary Water Resistance
The purpose of this water-resistant underlayment, which lays atop the roof deck, is to prevent water intrusion should any shingles or tiles become damaged.
Gable End Bracing
Gable roofs (with just 2 sloping sides) tend to be more susceptible to wind damage. Adding bracing to the triangular gable ends may stabilize the home, reducing the risk of wind-related damage.
Roof Vents and Soffits
Installing wind-resistant roof vents and properly securing soffits can help minimize wind-driven rain from entering the attic space and prevent wind uplift.
Regular Maintenance
Periodically inspecting and maintaining the roof, including replacing damaged or missing shingles, can prolong your roof quality and lifespan.
Storm Protection Devices
Having code approved hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows and doors on all openings, including garage doors and skylights, could save you on your home insurance premium.
Find Out If You Qualify for Discounts or Credits.
Your first step to find out if you qualify for a discount/credit is to hire a licensed home or roofing inspector, who can properly assess your home for the above features. A well-maintained and upgraded (if needed) roof and home can dramatically improve its resilience, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs due to windstorms and other severe weather conditions.
Schedule Your Inspection
Hire a licensed and authorized inspector who can evaluate and report on your home’s wind and roof mitigation features and their resistance to high winds.
Review and Submit
Upon receiving the report, review it carefully, making certain to understand its findings then reach out to your local agent to submit the report.
Start Saving
Once the report is received and processed any and all eligible credits and discounts will be applied to your policy.
Additional Homeowner Discounts
Senior Discount - Coming Soon
Should any named insured be over the age of 55 years old, a discount will be applied to your premium automatically.
Burglar & Fire Alarm Discount
A monitored security system and fire safety devices could translate into savings for you.
Discount amounts will vary.
To discuss whether you have the home coverage you need, or to ask about possible discounts or reduced-rate premiums, call your Florida Peninsula Insurance agent.
To discuss whether you have the home coverage you need, or to ask about possible discounts or reduced-rate premiums, call your Florida Peninsula Insurance agent.
Obtain the Discounts and Credits You Deserve
Have questions about your policy and the discounts and credits provided? Reach out to your local agent today.