Lower Insurance Rates May Now Be Possible

Beth Lawrence canceled wind coverage on her homeowner insurance policy only a month before the March tornadoes took the roof off of her Silver Hill home. She was devastated, and faced with the fact she may never live there again.

But a few different, albeit unlikely groups, came together for her rescue. They included Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County, State Farm Insurance--and another organization called Smart Home Alabama.

The latter group was established by Mobile insurance agent Carl Schneider, largely for educational purposes. But Smart Home Alabama has devised three projects now to show South Alabama homeowners how they can retro-fit their homes to fortified standards that will allow discounts from their insurance companies. Those discounts are mandated by Alabama law for homeowners who make the changes.

One of those projects is the home of Beth Lawrence in Silver Hill. Because the roof was taken off, it allowed volunteers to rebuild it to the higher standards established by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Those standards include roof improvements with more tie-down straps, tethered to the foundation. The roof system also includes a backup, sealing gaps with waterproof material-as a secondary precaution to storm damage.

Windows are also improved, either with replacement of impact resistant panes, or with storm shutters. These types of improvements lower the risk of damage, and lower insurance rates for homeowners.

For more information about what you can do for your home and insurance rate, follow this link. Smart Home Alabama