Hurricane Shutters: Protect Your Home & Reduce Insurance Costs

Florida has the highest home insurance costs in the country, with rates expected to increase by 40% to 50% in June. June is also the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and experts now believe we could have an “above average” hurricane season as El Nino overlaps with the hurricane season, an event we haven’t seen since 2015.

Sunshine State homeowners should consider fortifying their homes now with hurricane shutters. Naples, FL’s own Wind Safe Shutters, LLC advises homeowners that storm shutters don’t just offer secure protection against severe storms but can also yield valuable savings on your home insurance costs. As one of the leading providers of storm shutters in South Florida, we know how to help you secure your home with various storm protection methods, including roll down fabric shutters.

How Hurricane Shutters Protect Your Home

Hurricane shutters create a protective barrier on your home’s windows and doors, shielding them from damage caused by hurricane-force winds. Hurricane winds can reach up to 157 MPH or higher, potentially sending flying debris and other projectiles into your home windows. By installing hurricane shutters, homeowners reduce their chances of damage.

Florida Insurance Discounts for Hurricane Protection

While home insurance isn’t required in Florida, many lenders require it as a condition of a home’s mortgage. Homeowners insurance, luckily, rewards you for fortifying your home against hurricanes. In 2005, the state legislature passed a law that requires all residential property insurance companies to file a list of discounts for homeowners with loss mitigation devices, such as hurricane shutters and impact windows. Additionally, as of 2007, Florida required all insurance companies to offer discounts for loss mitigation.

Finding an Inspector

To qualify for the discount, homeowners must first request an inspection from a licensed inspector. The inspection uses the Uniform Mitigation Verification Form (OIR-B1-1802) from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. You will present your inspection report to your insurance company once complete. The following individuals can perform a wind mitigation inspection in Florida.

• A home inspector licensed under Section 468.8314, Florida Statutes, and who has completed both the statutory number of hours of hurricane mitigation training approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board and a proficiency exam
• Building code inspector certified under Section 468.607, Florida Statutes
• General, building, or residential contractor licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes
• A professional engineer licensed under Section 471.015, Florida Statutes
• A professional architect licensed under Section 481.213, Florida Statutes

How Much Can You Save with Hurricane Shutter Insurance Discounts?

Not every insurance company will offer the same discount, so your first step should be considering your possible savings. The Florida Wind Insurance Savings Calculator from MyFlorida.com lets you enter information about your property, then displays estimated savings.

The savings will come from Wind Mitigation Credits, and credits last for five years of the homeowner’s insurance policy. Homeowners who live in more wind-prone areas can have 10% to 15% in savings because their homes have a greater potential for wind damage from severe storms and hurricanes. You should contact your agent directly, plus check your insurer’s website for the company’s specific requirements and offers.

Accordion Shutters Versus Roll-Down Window Shutters: Naples, FL, Choice for Protection

Hurricane shutters are available in accordion or roll-down styles. Both hurricane shutter styles offer great ways for Florida homeowners to shield their homes from hurricane damage. Whether you choose accordion shutters or roll-down window shutters, you make an intelligent choice for your home when you install hurricane shutters. Rest assured, our shutters are completely compliant with Florida building codes for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) and Non-High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (non-HVHZ), so you can qualify for appropriate discounts after installation.

Both accordion shutters and roll-down shutters offer superior hurricane protection. An accordion shutter consists of high-quality vertical aluminum slats that move horizontally between the upper and lower track. Accordion shutters use manual operation and can be closed from the inside or outside, depending on your installation. It’s easy to match your accordion shutters to your home’s exterior, as they come in various colors. You may also want to choose an accordion shutter configured with clear polycarbonate slats to let the light in while the shutters are down.

A roll-down window shutter has two designs: fabric and aluminum. Aluminum shutters feature interlocked aluminum slats and roll downward when used, operated manually with a crank or via an electric motor. Fabric roll-down shutters are either motorized or available with cranks, depending on your needs. Roll-down hurricane shutters feature great heat performance when closed and can be applied to a home’s windows, patio, or porch, with up to a 24-foot span.

Shield Your Home with Reliable Hurricane Protection Today

For residents within Naples, Bonita Spring, Bonita, Estero, Ft Meyers, and all surrounding areas, hurricane shutters are a must-have for solid hurricane protection. This hurricane season, let Wind Safe Shutters help you add a new layer of protection to your Collier and Lee County home.