Homeowners in the Fort Myers area can find several benefits in home insurance FT Myers, FL. These benefits include coverage against wind damage and storm surges, protection against flood damage, and cheap rates on newer homes. Learn how to lower your home insurance costs by taking steps to protect your home and property.
Wind mitigation measures can save homeowners money
Taking wind mitigation measures can help your home withstand high winds, and you can save money on your home insurance policy. Adding water barriers, storm windows, and roof-to-foundation anchoring can all help reduce the risk of high-wind damage. You can also get your home inspected by a qualified inspector to determine if it has these features. Depending on your insurance policy and state regulations, you can also get additional credits for wind mitigation measures.
A wind mitigation inspection will determine whether your home is suitable for insuring, and a wind readiness certificate will lower your insurance costs. Homeowners’ insurance companies want to see that you have taken extra security measures to protect your home, so it pays to make sure your home has these features.
Wind mitigation inspectors can assess your home for these features and recommend ways to reduce the amount of wind damage it experiences. If you can install shutters or install tempered glass, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance. Also, an inspector will check your house’s attachments to see if they’re strong enough to withstand wind.
Coverage against storm surges
If you live in Fort Myers, Florida, you should consider getting coverage against storm surges. Rising tides and beach erosion puts homes in danger of frequent flooding. Flood insurance from Tower Hill can provide the necessary protection for your home, with no waiting period or minimum deductible. These policies cover homes in flood zones as well as non-flood zones and can even help you save money. For instance, you can combine your home insurance and auto insurance with one company, saving you as much as 20% on your premiums.
If you live in a flood-prone area, you can also purchase insurance that includes coverage for sinkholes. These are caused by water mixing with limestone in the ground. While this is not as common in Fort Myers as in other areas of Florida, it is a good idea to have coverage that will cover this kind of disaster. Some policies even include a provision that covers catastrophic ground cover collapse, which can provide enough coverage in areas where sinkholes are less common.
The average cost of home insurance in Fort Myers is $2,288 per year, making it more expensive than the national average. Residents in the 33907 and 33905 zip codes will pay a bit higher than the average. The cheapest areas are in the 33965 zip code, where homes are mostly student housing near the Florida Gulf Coast University. Meanwhile, the most expensive areas are in the 33901 ZIP code, where homes are older and more expensive.
Protection against flood damage
Protecting your home against flood damage is an important part of homeowner’s insurance. Floods are five times more likely to damage your home than a fire. Floods can occur due to rising tides or beach erosion, which means you must have flood insurance to protect your home from damage. In Fort Myers, the Caloosahatchee River overflows during heavy rains and can result in a storm surge of up to nine feet. Many insurance carriers do not cover flooding, so it is important to purchase flood coverage as part of your policy.
Another important part of homeowners’ insurance coverage is liability coverage. This type of coverage helps protect the homeowner if a guest falls over an unattractive paving block or dog attack. It should be based on the full value of your property. If a guest is injured on your property, you may have to pay for their medical bills, so it is important to have liability coverage.
Sinkholes are also a major cause of property damage in Fort Myers. Sinkholes are formed when water mixes with limestone in the ground. Fortunately, Fort Myers is not as vulnerable as other areas of Florida. However, if you live in a sinkhole-prone area, you should consider purchasing flood coverage for your home.
Cheaper rates for newer homes
Homeowners insurance in Fort Myers can vary considerably depending on what you want and how much your home is worth. Factors such as the size of your home, its construction, and its location can all affect the cost of your premium. For example, a newer home is likely to cost less to replace than an older home, so homeowners who install impact-resistant roofs and secure doors and windows can enjoy deeper discounts. You can also customize your coverage by getting a free quote.
If you live in a newer home in Fort Myers, you may not need to worry as much as homeowners who have lived in their older homes for years. There are many major carriers that have dropped Florida home insurance due to its high-risk levels. You may still see high rates for several years until your insurance provider starts to reduce its premiums.
In Fort Myers, you can save money by installing wind mitigation measures, reinforced roofing, and impact-resistant windows. These features can significantly lower the cost of your policy. A newly-built home in Lee County with $150,000 in replacement value could have an annual premium of $1,147. However, if you install these protective devices, you can lower your premium to as little as $853.
