| Are you prepared for the changes in | | | | screens |
| homeowners insurance? Here is how the new | | | | You might want to get an initial consultation to |
| Florida law describes your options: | | | | help you determine the most suitable protection |
| Effective January 1, 2009, any home being insured | | | | options for your home based on what works |
| with Citizens with a value greater than $750,000 | | | | best for your lifestyle and your budget. You can |
| located in the "wind-borne debris region" must | | | | find out how to lower your insurance costs and |
| have opening protection (such as storm shutters | | | | obtain the required hurricane Mitigation Inspection |
| or impact resistant windows and doors) that | | | | form. |
| complies with the Florida Building Code. The | | | | If your insurance is scheduled to be terminated, |
| wind-borne debris region consists of an area | | | | you may not want to wait until the end of your |
| where the maximum wind speeds during a | | | | grace period. Getting the work done sooner will |
| hurricane could exceed 120 mph. This includes | | | | allow you to begin enjoying lower insurance |
| most of the coastal counties like Collier, Lee, | | | | premiums right away. Not only will you be |
| Sarasota, Monroe, Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, | | | | protected sooner from hurricane winds and |
| etc. | | | | wind-borne debris, you will solve any nagging |
| - Do the changes in homeowners insurance | | | | window and door problems and moisture |
| present you with more questions than answers? | | | | infiltration that can cause structural damage and |
| - How do you obtain a hurricane mitigation report? | | | | health problems. |
| - Are lower-cost insurance options available once | | | | Ask your neighbors for references. You want a |
| protection is in place? (Citizens may not be your | | | | contractor who will treat you and your home with |
| only option) | | | | respect. Your contractor also needs to be state |
| - Which is your best option - replacement | | | | licensed and insured, including Workers |
| windows and doors vs. hurricane shutters or | | | | Compensation insurance on employees. |