Home Insurance Articles

Lowering Your Home Insurance Costs By Preparing Your House For Extreme Weather

2010-03-24

In many parts of the country, homes are not simply subject to the usual culprits when it comes to damage and home insurance claims. Theft and vandalism pale when compared to the extreme weather seen by many of the central and coastal regions of the country. Everything from tornadoes to earthquakes and hurricanes to floods, have left their mark on people, towns, and entire counties. Unfortunately for those who live in areas with extreme weather, traditional home insurance coverage won't protect again such wanton "acts of God," as they are often defined. This can leave a homeowner stranded or penniless. Fortunately, many areas where this type of weather is a problem, have a government-mandated policy or citizen-run insurance company which will provide essential severe weather and flood protection for those who need it.

Flood, earthquake, or tornado coverage is always purchased separately from a basic policy, and will have its own coverage limits. These can range from $50,000 up to almost the entire value of a home. The deductible for this type of insurance is also separate, and is usually calculated as a percent of the total coverage. A $100,000 flood protection policy with a two percent deductible means that a homeowner will need to pay $2000 in the event of a flood in order to begin the process of a claim. These deductibles can be raised in order to minimize premiums paid by homeowners in addition to their standard home insurance rates.

There are also other ways to reduce home insurance premiums for extreme weather coverage, most notably by ensuring that your home is as protected as it can be from any sort of natural disaster. In an area hard-hit by tornadoes or hurricanes, installing extra-strength windows with specially-made shutters and increasing the quality of roof shingles can lower insurance premiums. For a flood-prone area, removing all valuable items from a basement and installing devices to prohibit water entry, such as door panels and air vent covers, can go a long way to reducing insurance costs. Flood area homes can also benefit from a toilet sealing device for a basement washroom that prevents backwater or sewage from entering the home. Every addition made to the home that makes damage less likely to occur also lowers your home's risk to insure, which only benefits your premium amount.

Although specialized weather insurance can be an expensive proposition, not having it at a crucial moment can be devastating to both a home and a family. The key is to shop around for the best deal, while making sure that your home is as prepared as possible for a natural disaster. This will lead to a more secure property and a lower home insurance cost.