How to Decrease the Cost of Homeowners Insurance

No doubt you already know Florida is the most expensive state in the U.S. for home insurance. Though the tropical weather makes it one of the most beautiful states in our country, the tropical storms make it one of the most costly to enjoy. The good news is that there are ways to keep costs at a minimum. Below we’ve compiled a few ways that you can lower your insurance costs.

Storm Protection

Since Florida’s powerful storms are the main reason for its high insurance costs, let’s talk first about storm protection. Windows and doors are damage waiting to happen when a storm hits. But not if you’re covered—with impact glass or storm shutters that is. Once your impact windows or shutters have been installed, you’ll need to schedule a wind mitigation inspection with a home inspector. After this inspection is complete, the inspector will give you a form to send to your insurance company. You could save up to 30% or more! Contact us today for a free estimate. 

Quality Roof

The roof of your home is the biggest potential opening in a storm, so maintaining your roof is one of the biggest potential ways to save on insurance. Just as impact windows or doors can cut down on costs, so can an impact resistant roof. Though a better quality roof is more of an investment, it can save up to 40% on premiums. It’s a good idea to protect that investment with regular maintenance and roof inspections.

Pool Safety

Does your home have a pool? Is it enclosed by a fence? Though this is the law in some states, that’s not the case in Florida. While helping decrease insurance costs, protecting your pool with a fence is also a good way to protect those around you, and yourself from an accidental drowning lawsuit.

Regular Updates

Whether your home is decades old or still in the process of being built, you will benefit from making sure all systems, such as plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC are up to code.Thinking of building? It’s worth being scrupulous about details.Do you live in an older home? Put in the effort to update any systems that might not meet current standards.

Security

This is a big one and includes protecting yourself from both theft and fire. Installing alarms and smoke detectors is a good place to start, but those aren’t the only measures you can take. Sprinkler systems and motion detector lights are also potential savings waiting to happen. And though we’ve already mentioned impact windows and doors for hurricane protection, they are also excellent theft deterrents.

A Final Word of Advice

Before making any of the above mentioned improvements to your home, speak with your insurance agent. Many insurance providers have specific requirements that must be met in order for your improvements to warrant a discount. It’s also worthwhile to find out exactly how much you could save if a particular change is made. Be sure that the costs don’t outweigh the benefits.