FAQs

From time to time, we compile some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients. We have organized those questions into the following categories:

1. Insurance discounts (read more)
2. Design characteristics (read more)
3. Testing & Permitting (read more)
4. Cost (read more)
5. Energy Efficiency (read more)
6. Miscellaneous (read more)
7. Technical (read more)

1. INSURANCE DISCOUNTS

Q: If I install hurricane impact-resistant windows and doors in my house, does this make me eligible for insurance premium discounts?

A: Correct. The Citizens Property Insurance Corporation assigns discounts for impact-resistant windows and doors, provided that all of the home's openings are protected. Policyholders with questions concerning mitigation should contact their insurance agents to ensure that proper credit is being received for strengthening the home. According to an article published on Citizen's website, premium discounts of up to 45% can be available to those policyholders who show proof of risk mitigation alternatives. You can access additional information at the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation website.
Florida statute 627.0629 (regarding residential property insurance) requires all insurance companies, providing homeowner's insurance to Florida residents, to offer some type of discount for dwellings equipped with an effective windstorm protective system. The first paragraph of the statute reads:

Effective June 1, 2002, a rate filing for residential property insurance must include actuarially reasonable discounts, credits, or other rate differentials, or appropriate reductions in deductibles, for properties on which fixtures or construction techniques damonstrated to reduce the amount of loss in a windstorm have been installed or implemented. The fixtures or construction techniques shall include, but not be limited to, fixtures or construction techniques which enhance roof strength, roof covering performance, roof-to-wall strength, wall-to-floor-to-foundation strength, opening protection, and window, door, and skylight strength. Credits, discounts, or other rate differentials for fixtures and construction techniques which meet the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code must be included in the rate filing. All insurance companies must make a rate filing which includes the credits, discounts, or other rate differentials by February 28, 2003. By July 1, 2007, the office shall re-evaluate the discounts, credits, other rate differentials, and appropriate reductions in deductibles for fixtures and construction techniques that meet the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code, based upon actual experience or any other loss relativity studies available to the office. The office shall determine the discounts, credits, other rate differentials, and appropriate reductions in deductibles that reflect the full actuarial value of such revaluation, which may be used by insurers in rate filings.