As a resident of NC you may or may not have heard about the Institute for Business and Home Safety’s FORTIFIED for existing homes program. In a nutshell, this is a hazard mitigation program aimed at improving the resistance of single-family detached dwellings to local disasters and perils.
Homes that have achieved FORTIFIED-designation tend to be not only more resistant to local hazards but also in many cases safer, more energy-efficient, and even more comfortable to reside in. Fortifying a home may involve roof maintenance or replacement, installing safer and more efficient windows, and / or strengthening the connections between the various components of the building.
Homeowners in NC who fortify their homes according to the IBHS’s standards may be eligible for windstorm discounts on their home insurance premiums. The amount of the credit will depend on the level of fortification achieved and the county the home is situated in.
Owning a FORTIFIED home can also mean that the homeowner has a reduced need to file home insurance claims – another factor which may help keep the cost of insurance premiums down.
More information on FORTIFIED programs for existing homes can be found at the IBHS website. There are also programs available for new constructions and for commercial operators. To find out more about home insurance and windstorm credits for FORTIFIED homes, feel free to contact us.