If you’re a Florida homeowner deciding between hurricane shutters and impact-rated windows, you may be wondering if one will save you more on your homeowners insurance.
The short answer is: not necessarily.
If you already have qualifying hurricane shutters and replace them with qualifying impact-rated windows, you generally should not expect an additional insurance discount simply because you switched from shutters to impact glass.
For wind mitigation purposes, both can provide qualifying opening protection when they meet the applicable requirements.
What Is Opening Protection?
Opening protection refers to protecting the areas of your home that are vulnerable to wind, including:
- Windows
- Exterior doors
- Garage doors
- Skylights
Opening protection is one of the features evaluated during a Florida wind mitigation inspection and can qualify your home for an applicable insurance credit when the requirements are met.
Do Shutters and Impact Windows Both Qualify?
They can.
Qualifying hurricane shutters, including certain Miami-Dade-approved products, can provide opening protection. Qualifying impact-rated windows and doors can also provide opening protection.
The important factor is whether the products meet the applicable requirements and whether the required openings are properly protected.
It’s not simply “shutters vs. impact windows.” It’s whether your home qualifies for the opening-protection credit.
Do All Openings Need to Be Protected?
This is an important part of the wind mitigation inspection.
To qualify for the applicable opening-protection credit, the required openings generally need to be protected. This can include your windows, doors, garage doors, and skylights.
For example, if most of your windows have qualifying protection but one required opening does not, you may not qualify for the applicable opening-protection credit.
A qualified wind mitigation inspector can determine whether your home meets the requirements.
Will Impact Windows Lower My Insurance More Than Shutters?
Not necessarily.
If your existing shutters already qualify for the applicable opening-protection credit, replacing them with qualifying impact-rated windows may not change your insurance premium.
You may still choose impact windows for other reasons, such as convenience, appearance, or not having to install shutters when a storm approaches. But don’t assume the upgrade will automatically result in additional insurance savings.
Before spending thousands of dollars on an upgrade, it’s worth discussing the potential insurance impact with your agent.
Keep Your Documentation
If you install hurricane shutters, impact windows, impact doors, or other wind-resistant improvements, keep your documentation.
Depending on the product and inspection requirements, your wind mitigation inspector may need information showing that the products meet the applicable standards.
Keep documents such as:
- Product approval information
- Installation records
- Permits
- Receipts
- Manufacturer documentation
The Bottom Line
For Florida homeowners, qualifying shutters and qualifying impact-rated windows can both provide opening protection for wind mitigation purposes.
If you’re replacing qualifying shutters with qualifying impact windows, don’t expect the change by itself to lower your insurance premium. The important factor is whether your home meets the requirements for the applicable opening-protection credit.
Before making a major investment, talk with your insurance agent and a qualified wind mitigation inspector.
Have Questions About Your Florida Home Insurance?
At HomeInsuranceFlorida.com, our Florida-licensed agents help homeowners throughout Florida explore their homeowners insurance options.
Thinking about installing shutters or impact windows? Talk to your insurance agent before you make the investment.
Contact HomeInsuranceFlorida.com to speak with a Florida-licensed insurance agent.
Coverage terms, conditions, eligibility, discounts, and availability vary by insurance company and property. Wind mitigation credits are subject to applicable requirements and documentation.
