FAQ

1. INSURANCE DISCOUNTS and IMPACT WINDOWS.

If I install hurricane impact-resistant windows and doors in my house, do I obtain insurance premium discounts? Yes, absolutely. According to Bob Ricker, president of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, ?credits for impact-resistant windows have always been part of Citizens mitigation program.? However, Mr. Ricker specifies that in order to obtain the discounts, all of the house openings must be protected. Mr. Ricker further stated that ?policyholders with questions about mitigation should contact their insurance agents to make sure they are receiving proper credit for any steps taken to strengthen their home.? According to an article published on Citizen?s website, premium discounts of up to 45% can be available to those policyholders who show proof of risk mitigation alternatives. You can access additional information at Citizens’ website.

  2.   How can I make sure that the windows or doors that I am purchasing are in fact impact-resistant products?

For a window or door system to be considered impact-resistant certified, it must meet testing standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). One of the most rigorous requirements comes from the Florida Building Code which, given the increase in frequency and strength of hurricanes in recent years, has incorporated many of the lessons learned from prior hurricane-driven disasters. The Florida Building Code, for example, requires that every exterior opening in a structure be protected against wind-borne debris. This protection can be accomplished by either storm shutters or by impact-resistant windows and doors. To learn whether or not a product is considered impact resistant, ask your window dealer for a copy of the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by the Miami-Dade County. The NOA is the document issued by the County which provides specific information, including dimensions, parts, materials, accessories and installation guidelines, about the particular product in question. The NOA certifies whether or not the product has passed the impact-resistant test. This product also sets forth an expiration date until which the approval has been issued for. NOAs can be downloaded at the Miami-Dade County’s website.