WIND LOSS MITIGATION CREDITS ON INSURANCE POLICIES

OK, first off let me state that I am a real estate agent and NOT an insurance agent, but I attended a lecture today put on by State Farm at the Board of Realtors that was really interesting!

The guest speaker, Brian Chapman of State Farm Insurance in Port Charlotte went over a list of things that could save you money on your homeowners policy. When we are talking about saving money, I am all ears!!!

We all know that the Florida Building Codes changed in 2001 and that there were more changes in 2003. But most of us agents don't really know too much beyond that. Well, I learned that if your home (or your client's home) is a concrete block structure and has reinforced masonry, it qualifies for wind loss mitigation credits!

Also, if you had a roof put on since March 1, 2002, you qualify for wind loss mitigation credits! The same is true if your roof deck's plywood is nailed rather than stapled!!!

And here is something neat! I did not know that they have adhesive strips that are put on where the plywood pieces meet each other, so seal out water. If you have this secondary water intrusion system on your roof, it qualifies for wind loss mitigation!!!

Impack resistant openings such as reinforced garage doors and hurricane shutters qualify too!!!!! Are you getting the picture here??? Lots of money to be saved by little things!!!

If there are roof to wall connections from the trusses to the tie beam or wall top plate, it also qualifies!!! And most homes that were build after the 1970's have steel rods in the foundation.....bam! Another credit!!!

I saved the best for last: If you go to www.mysafefloridahome.com

you will find a site from the state that will give you information about getting a free inspection from certified inspectors that will check out your home for these things. They will give you a paper when they are done that you can present to your insurance company for credits!!!!!

If you own a home you have to have homeowners insurance, so get the best deal you can!!! Check out the state web site, set up an inspection appointment, get the paperwork and save - save - save!!!!!