Florida’s homeowner insurance rates are already among the highest in the country, so whatever you can do to reduce that cost, means keeping more of your money in your own pocket. Apart from being one of the most important parts of your home, your roof plays a key role in the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. This is because a good quality, properly installed and well-maintained roof will save you a considerable amount of money on your home insurance policy.

As far as insurance companies are concerned, homes with good roofs are a much lower risk for them, since (among other considerations) it may reduce the likelihood of you filing a claim.

As a Florida homeowner, you should pay attention to these important steps that could help to reduce the cost of your insurance:

  • Pick the right roof material
    Always look for roofing materials that are appropriate for both your home and its location. In Florida, that usually means either asphalt shingles or tile.

    The most popular roofing materials in Florida is asphalt shingles. This is due primarily because they are generally less expensive, compared to other materials, also because they handle most bad weather conditions quite well. Tile is the second most popular – not only because of their excellent insulating properties for weather in the Sunshine State, but also because of their aesthetic appeal. They also improve the value of the home.

    If you are unsure as to what roofing material would work best for you, consult a FAH Certified, licensed roofer who will help you decide what roof material works for your house and your area.

    Your choice of roofing material will influence your insurance policy’s cost.
  • Proper Installation
    As important as it is to purchase the right roof material, the proper installation of your roof properly is even more important. This is because an improperly installed roof could be a big liability to you. Improperly installed roofs are more likely to get damaged and have a shorter lifespan.

    Your insurer may even deny your claim if your roof gets damaged, and blame it on the improper installation. The best way to stay on the safe side is to hire an experienced professional roofer to install it properly.
  • Keep good records and paperwork
    Make sure you keep paperwork and pictures when installing a roof or doing any form of work on it. This is because insurance companies love to see papers and documentation.

    Start saving up paperwork beginning from job estimation, payment receipts, service fees and other records for the entire job. It is advisable to also take as many photos as possible from the beginning of the roofing job to the end. All these will come handy if you need to make a claim.
  • Proper Maintenance
    Many homeowners don’t pay enough attention to roof maintenance, but this is a major mistake that could costs you in the long run. Proper maintenance helps to increase its lifespan as well as to prevent your insurance premiums from rising too fast.

    Here are a few tips that you can use to keep your roof in tip-top shape:
     Avoid walking on the roof
     Keep the roof clear of branches, leaves and other debris
     Replace worn-out or broken shingles
     Check for rodents, bugs and pests and get rid of them
     Fill the flashings on your roof
     Remove algae, moss, and mold
     Cut down trees around your house or trim branches that can damage your roof
     Inspect your roof periodically, like once or twice a year
     Make sure that your roof is properly ventilated
     Unclog gutters
     Look out for exposed or missing fasteners
     Maintain your chimney if you have one
     Properly inspect your roof after a storm
  • Choose the Right Insurance Company
    Policy requirements vary from one insurance company to the other, so you must pay attention to these requirements. Since each insurance company has their own set of exclusions in their policies, you must take time to read and understand what those exclusions are for the insurance policy you are considering. Shop around for the best Florida homeowner insurance companies and compare their quotes and exclusions. Make the best decision based on coverage, price, and preference.
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