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Big Savings For Floridians From Wind Storm Premiums

By
Home Inspector with Gold Coast Inspections

Floridians have had a rough time dealing with the increases in wind storm premiums.  Subsequent to record insurance losses, the State of Florida has found an avenue of relief from this strain.

In 2003, legislation mandated insurance carriers to provide discounts, credits, or rate reductions for construction features that lend in making a home wind resistant.  These "discounts" can be significant in nature, ranging from 26%-56% of the wind storm premium for homes located within a wind debris region.  Although the insurance industry lacks the initiative to maximize their efforts in communicating these discounts to homeowners, the flow of information via media outlets and the web is driving consumer demand at an alarming rate.

 

With tougher talk from Gov. Christ, legislative updates and policies changes within the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation are mandates for insurance carriers specifying methods and tools to communicate these savings.  There is also speculation of mandating wind mitigation inspections and certifications prior to binding homeowner insurance policies, new or old.

Recently, a poll conducted by Gold Coast Inspections, surveyed 300 clients and you will be amazed at the findings.

 

72% - Clients did not recall receiving any information regarding wind inspections prior to calling their agent about their drastic premium increases.

84% - Clients had not been receiving any wind storm discounts.

97% - Clients received additional savings from an existing policy after having a wind storm inspection.

99.5% - Of overall clients received discounts after the inspection

82% - Of clients were told by their insurance agents, the discounts were only for newer roofs and shutters

100% - Of clients would recommend this inspection to friends, family and neighbors.

IF WE CANNOT SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOU EXISTING WIND STORM PREMIUM, THE INSPECTION IS FREE!

 GOLD COAST INSPECTIONS   954-753-3755

Serving Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties

 

Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Thanks!  I copied and sent to my friends and family members in Florida;)

It's a Good Life!

Fran Rokicki, Clubnet~Mentor

Oct 02, 2007 09:58 AM
Sean Allen
International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL
International Financing Solutions

HHHmmmm, very interesting. I will haveto check into this. Thanks for the information.

Sean Allen

Oct 02, 2007 10:04 AM
Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495
Stage it Right! - Melbourne, FL
I got another one for ya.  The new "roof" law which has taken effect further puts the screws to homeowners and is yet another GIFT to the insurance industry.
Oct 02, 2007 10:27 AM
David Manley
Gold Coast Inspections - Coral Springs, FL

Terry,

The new roof codes, for the most part, make a lot of sense.  As a FEMA and Wind Mitigation Inspector, I had a first hand look at the primary damage associated with Hurricane Wilma.

Roof damage was the most prevelent.  But why was this, it's easy to answer.  Uplift was a primary concern as in most wind storms.  So, adding more anchors to roof decking, straps or clips to the truss system and increasing the bar on tile lift just makes sense. 

What I don't understand is why some of these upgrades/modifications cannot be conducted by a Certified Roofer.  When it comes time to actually secure a truss, the roofing contractor will need to sub this up to a General or Residential Contractor...?

What the state needs to get tougher on, is the Home Depots and Lowes selling products that do not meet FBC.  Windows, hurricane panels, doors and tapcons that fall well below the building standards.

Oct 02, 2007 03:53 PM