Making certain upgrades could help keep your home safe by reducing the risk of damage should disaster strike. These improvements could also reduce your homeowners insurance premium. Below are a few upgrades you can make to help save on your insurance premium in addition to keeping you and your family safe.
Getting a New Roof
If you have replaced your roof in the past few years or are planning to do so, you could be eligible for a discount on your home insurance. Homeowners who have a tile roof which has not been replaced in the last 25 years or a shingle roof which has not been replaced in the last 15 years, may be due for an upgrade. By replacing your roof, you may be able to save on your premium, however, homeowners insurance carriers can only extend roofing credits to their policyholders when a Wind Mitigation Form is completed. This form must be completed by a licensed inspector, detailing when the new roof was installed, its new features, and providing photos. Once the inspection has been completed and the documents submitted to your carrier, you may be eligible for savings on your insurance premium.
Using Hurricane Protection Devices
If your home does not have hurricane protection devices installed on doors, windows, and garage doors, you could be missing out on significant savings! Consider using hurricane protection devices such as metal panels, which meet new building codes, or installing hurricane impact windows and doors to keep your home safe during a storm. Do your research to find out which option would work for your home and best fits the needs of you and your family. The State of Florida allows homeowner carriers to extend hurricane device credits only when all the openings of your home are protected, including your front door, skylights, and garage door. If one opening is not protected, you will miss out on receiving any credits. Should you be interested in adding hurricane protection devices to your home, we recommend researching vendors and gathering estimates well in advance of Hurricane Season to capture savings on the labor and materials and for faster turnaround times.
Utilizing Security Systems
Regardless of the neighborhood you live in, your home can be at risk of being burglarized. Having theft alarm devices installed throughout your home can protect your property and loved ones and could result in an insurance discount. Having a monitored security system which has an alarm can deter a burglar and alert the authorities immediately, preventing a loss. Depending on your homeowner insurance carrier, having such devices could provide you with some credits towards your homeowners insurance premium.
Call Your Agent to Find Out More
We recommend you contact your agent to help you find out what discounts may be available to you. Should you be making any additions or major upgrades to your home, make sure these new features are adequately covered. Contact your local agent as soon as any updates are made so your policy can be updated. Each homeowner insurance carrier is different and may offer unique discounts. Keeping your family and home safe and protected is Edison Insurance Company’s number one priority. Ask your agent how they can help make sure you have the proper coverage or call us at 866-568-8922.
