Living along the Gulf Coast has its perks—breathtaking views, gentle Gulf breezes and easy beach access. But insuring a home in a coastal area also comes with unique challenges, primarily due to weather risks like high winds from hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding.
These natural weather conditions can lead to higher-than-average insurance premiums for homeowners. However, there is a solution: making proactive home upgrades can significantly reduce insurance costs and give you greater peace of mind.
In this blog post we’ll go over the best home upgrades you can make to show you how to lower your home insurance premium. You’ll see how investing in smart upgrades not only helps save you money but also enhances the safety and resilience of your home.
How Can I Lower My Home Insurance Premium in the Gulf Coast?
Insurance companies calculate premiums based on the level of risk associated with a home and its location. Coastal homes are inherently more at risk due to their exposure to extreme weather, which results in higher insurance costs.
However, there are strategic upgrades that can help mitigate these risks—and when homeowners take action to reduce potential damage, insurance companies are often willing to offer a variety of discounts.
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Let’s look at four impactful upgrades that can help lower your insurance premiums and protect your investment, and, most importantly, your family.
Upgrade #1 – Install a FORTIFIED™ Roof
One of the most effective upgrades for homeowners in coastal areas is installing a FORTIFIED™ roof. This type of roof is designed to be more resistant to strong winds and severe weather, making it an excellent investment for homes in hurricane-prone areas.
Not only does it enhance the durability of your roof and prevent roof storm damage, but you can also save big with the FORTIFIED™ roof insurance discount. For example, State Farm offers a discount of up to 35 percent for impact-resistant roofs in some states, to reduce any damage from wind-borne objects. The discounts vary, though, depending on location.
Structural enhancements include sealed roof decking, impact-resistant shingles, pressure-rated garage doors, chimney bracing, impact protections for doors and windows and more!
Upgrade #2 – Strengthen Windows and Doors
Strong winds and flying debris can wreak havoc on windows and doors during a storm. Upgrading to impact-resistant windows and reinforced doors is essential for Gulf Coast homeowners.
These upgrades, that adhere to the FORTIFIED™ guidelines, not only provide greater protection but also help reduce insurance premiums. Homeowners can apply for grants of up to $10,000 through the Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) offered several times per year and may receive tax credits of up to $3,000.
RELATED: What Is the $10,000 Grant for Home Improvement in Alabama?
While the initial cost can be significant, the potential savings—along with added benefits like improved energy efficiency and noise reduction—make it a worthwhile investment and may help with resale values.
Upgrade #3 – Install a Whole-Home Generator
Power outages are common during severe weather and tropical systems, and a whole-home generator can be a lifesaver.
By maintaining power during local outages, a generator helps prevent issues like frozen pipes and food spoilage—both of which can lead to costly repairs and replacement.
A home generator ensures that your household systems and appliances continue to run using electricity including central air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and sump/grinder pumps. This can reduce the likelihood of a water pipe bursting and water backups flooding portions of your home.
Always check your insurance policies prior to a storm event. Some insurance companies do not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the pipes, but only the mitigation for any damage. It also preserves any refrigerated food items in your refrigerator and freezer. Many insurance companies recognize this added protection and may offer up to a 10 percent discount.
Additionally, some areas offer tax credits or incentives for installing a generator, making this upgrade even more attractive. To qualify for home insurance discounts, the homeowner must provide proof of the home generator.
Upgrade #4 – Add Storm Shutters
Storm (hurricane) shutters, constructed of steel or aluminum, are an excellent defense against damage caused by flying debris to windows during hurricanes and high-wind events.
By reducing the likelihood of window damage, storm shutters help minimize overall storm-related damage costs and risks to your home.
Shutters come in a variety of styles including Accordion ($15-30/ sq. ft., mid-range and permanently installed), Roll-Down ($25-$60 per sq. ft., motorized and somewhat costly), Bahama ($20-$25 per sq. ft., angled design and moderately priced), Colonial ($25-$35 per sq. ft., hinged and pricey), Plywood ($2-$6 per sq. ft., least expensive and labor intensive to install) and Storm panels ($10-$20 per sq. ft., basic and cost effective).
Depending on the type of shutters you choose, the cost can vary, but the benefits in terms of safety and potential insurance discounts make this an important upgrade. Insurance companies for Florida residents offer discounts of up to 30 percent on windstorm premiums for homeowners who install approved storm shutters depending on the style of the shutter.
Having protection over doors and windows helps protect your home’s contents and your family during severe coastal weather.
Protect Your Home and Lower Your Insurance Premiums
Investing in home upgrades not only brings financial savings in the form of lower insurance premiums but also helps ensure that your home (and family) is better protected against severe weather.
If you’re considering where to begin, installing a FORTIFIED™ roof is one of the best ways to maximize both savings and protection.
Ready to make your home safer and save on insurance? Contact Fortified Inspections today to talk to a FORTIFIED™ expert or to schedule an inspection and begin your upgrade journey.