Hurricane-proof windows, sometimes called impact windows, are an important upgrade for anyone who lives in an area that experiences regular hurricanes. These windows provide a great deal of protection against the forces of hurricanes. They also provide some financial benefits. This can include savings on the wind portion of your Florida homeowners insurance premium (wind insurance). In fact, if you live in Florida then insurance companies are required to offer discounts to homeowners who have installed certain wind resistant construction features. One of these is opening protection. But how much can you expect?
This article will explore how much savings you may be able to get when you install hurricane-proof windows and what factors go into the savings. So if you are interested in buying impact windows in Fort Myers or elsewhere in Southwest keep reading to see if and how much you may be able to save.
Insurance Savings For Installing Hurricane-Proof Windows
Both the state of Florida and insurance companies serving the state are well aware of the protection hurricane-proof windows provide. They reduce the possibility of damage during storms. This means impact windows can lower the potential for and amount of insurance claims. Because of this, Florida insurance companies provide wind insurance discounts when your home has impact windows (and other wind resistant construction features) installed.
You should contact your insurance company to understand your potential discount as well as what their verification process is. For instance, you may need to order a wind mitigation inspection done. This inspection report confirms that impact windows are installed and also details other construction features of your home. Your insurance company may or may not also ask for proof of payment, such as a paid invoice receipt.
Factors that may determine your insurance discount
The amount you can expect to save varies based on many factors. Some of these factors are discussed below.
Location
Your area’s hurricane risk (based on zones) impacts your potential insurance premiums and possible savings. For example, do you live somewhere that is considered high-risk, such as a coastal city or hurricane zone that is often hit by hurricanes? If so, you may qualify for a bigger discount than people living in areas with fewer risks.
Specific Insurance Company
The actual insurance provider you choose also has an impact on the potential savings. Different companies offer various discounts when you install hurricane-proof windows. Some offer the maximum reduction, while others give you only modest savings. Make sure you take time to shop around and compare policies to get the best deal.
Level of Your Home’s Protection
When it comes to savings, how much you have strengthened your home against hurricanes is often considered. One step is to install hurricane-proof windows. However, doing other things, like adding impact or reinforced garage doors and having a Florida Building Code approved roof can also help. Another area that will provide savings is how your roof is connected to your home.
Your Home’s Value
The insured value of your home can also determine the significance of wind insurance savings you can expect. How does your home value make a difference? If you have a home with a high value, you also likely have more expensive insurance premiums. In this case, the percentage discount you can expect for installing impact windows may translate into larger dollar savings due to your more expensive premium.
How Much of an Insurance Discount Can You Expect
As discussed above, the actual discount on your premium will vary based on your insurance company, home’s wind resistant construction features, and more. But discounts are common on the wind portion of your insurance after you install impact windows.
Even if the discount is just a few hundred dollars a year, these savings can add up significantly over time. This helps offset the initial cost of having impact windows installed while protecting your home and family.
Estimate Your Insurance Discounts
FloridaDisaster.org’s Florida Wind Insurance Savings Calculator is a useful tool to estimate your insurance savings. It should be noted that the calculator results are based on older information as stated by the website.
Click below to try it out (link will open in a new browser tab).
Final Thoughts
Installing hurricane-proof windows is a smart decision that provides both practical and financial benefits. From a practical side, impact windows protect your family, home, and reduce the risk of storm damage. From a financial side they can provide discounts on your wind insurance premiums. So if you live somewhere with hurricanes, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading to impact windows for peace of mind, cost savings, and added value to your home. Reach out to Eurex Shutters today to learn more about the benefits of hurricane-proof windows for your home or to get a free in-home estimate.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
