How to save money on your homeowners insurance in Florida

I have been in the homeowners insurance industry in Florida for many years. This article will help you save money on your policy. I have tips that you may not know about.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. I work with the underwriters of your insurance company and many different carriers. These tips will help save you money on your policy.

2. 
    
   Patched Roof-Two Separate Color Tiles

   The first thing that most insurance companies look at is your roof. They do not like to see a patched roof,missing tiles or shingles, or a roof that has been coated with any sealing substance. They also do like to see a very old roof. I know a roof is very expensive to replace but these are things they look for.

3. 
    
   Smoke Detector

   The next thing they like to see,is storm shutters around your home. I advise to have protection on all your windows. They do not care about door openings. I know impact windows are expensive but this will help you save.
   A burglar or fire alarm will always bring a small discount. You will also want smoke detectors and at least one fire extinguisher in your home.

4. 
    
   Tree Trunk With In A Foot Of Home

   I will now give you exposures on the outside of your home that will hurt your policy. They do not like to see tree trunks or limbs with in a foot of your home. If you have any, I would advise to have them cut and removed.

5. 
    
   Trampoline And Elevated Playground

   This next set of items will either increase your policy or have you dropped . A trampoline,elevated playground, and pool slides are very big problems. All insurance companies see this as a liability. If you have a pool or spa in your yard,it needs to be fenced. Insurance companies like to see a fence around your liabilities because this invites a child to get hurt. Some breeds such as pit bulls may be a major liability in some counties.

6. The best thing you can do is pay for a four point inspection. A certified inspector will come to your home and perform a detailed inspection. They will forward this report to your insurance company. I believe the inspection cost's between a hundred and one fifty but you can shop that around for the best rate. You really don't want to pay more then you will be saving. If you don't want to pay for an inspection, I suggest you contact your carrier and find out how to submit photos or paperwork that proves you have a secure home without liabilities. These tips will help you reduce your policy or at least make you think twice before buying a trampoline.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have storm shutters around your entire home.
• A burglar alarm,fire alarm,and smoke detectors will reduce your policy.
• Have a fire extinguisher in your home.
• A new roof or newer roof is a big reduction.
• Pools,spas,and playgrounds in the rear of a home must be fenced.
• These are tips for the state of Florida. Each state and company will differ.
• An elevated playground and trampoline are serious liabilities.
• A pool slide is also a liability.
• Avoid having vicious dogs on your property.
• Tree trunks or limbs near your house is a liability.

Resources

• Insurance Tips