Lower Your Property Insurance Bill in Florida - Free Windstorm Inspection

After Hurricane Wilma roared through Florida, I needed to have my roof replaced. I also added hurricane shutters. Then, my insurance company went out of business and I had to apply for new property insurance. As a condition of the application, a windstorm inspection was required. The cost was $150. Well worth it, because my insurance tab was reduced by $500 because of the improvements I had made.

These windstorm inspections are free for Floria homeowners who have single family detached homes. If the inspection reveals that your home has better hurricane protection, you may be able to get a discount on your property insurance bill. If your home is not a single family home, you won't qualify for the free inspection. However, you can still contact one of the approved inspectors and have the inspection completed for a fee of $150.

Some of the things included in the inspection report will be:

An outline of things that can be done to your home to provide better hurricane protection
An estimate of the costs of those improvements
An estimate of insurance discounts that may be available.

In addition, grant funds up to $5000 are available for installing hurricane shutters and bracing of gable roof ends.

So if you've had your roof replaced, installed hurricane shutters or replaced your garage door, you may be eligible for a discount on your property insurance premium. Go ahead and schedule the inspection, it's free. And if you are thinking about making these improvements, get the inspection first so you have an idea of which improvements can give you the most bang for your buck.
The state provides a list of approved inspectors as well as approved contractors.

To find how to schedule your inspection and see if you are eligible for grant funds, go to the state's website My Safe Florida Home or call the Hotline at 866-513-6764