Beginning January 1, 2009 single family homes located inthe Windborne Debris Area (WBDR), insured by Citizens, that have an insured value of more than $750,000.00 will be required to document the existence of FBC Approved hurricane protection before renewal; owners that fail to comply will be cancelled.
One of the many benefits of being a member of the International Hurricane Protection Association is, receiving important information in time to take advantage of niche market opportunities. In order to get a better understanding of how these changes will work and I am providing an overview of the new underwriting policy with particulars on the qualification steps, and consequesnces for non-compliance.
Q- What policies are affected?
A- Those in the WBDR with an insured value of $750,000.00 or more
Q- Isn’t that most of the the coastal property?
A- No, it is based on insured value of the structure not the market value of the property. Insured value is based on sq ft, materials, fixtures, and finishes so the structure would probably need to be larger than 5000 sq ft living area.
Q- What opening protection products qualify?
A- Any that have a Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade approval for Large Missile Impact Resistance (9lb missile test). Remember these are single family residential properties usually less than 30 feet mean roof height, small missile impact resistant products would not qualify.
Q- Don’t all opening require some type of protection?
A- In Miami-Dade and Broward counties (HVHZ) yes, outside the HVHZ only glazed openings are protected in compliance with the WBDR requirements in the Florida Building Code. For strucctures located outside the HVHZ, solid doors and garage doors are not required to be protected. It is highly recommended that these protected in order to qualify for the maximum discounts, and if the owner is shopping for another windstorm carrier, many require all openings to be protected rather than the minimum requirements for building code compliance. yho ushould educate the owner so they understand all of thier options.
Q- Does than mean you have to use Miami-Dade Approved products in the HVHZ?
A- No, any Florida Building Code Approved product can be used as long as it is “Approved for use in the HVHZ” and meets the design pressure requirements for the location and mounting conditions used on the structure.
Q- Do all qulaifying properties have to complete the installation before January 1, 2009?
A- No, this affect qualifying properties at time of renewal after January 1, 2009.
Q- What is required to document that qualifying homes comply and can continue coverage?
A- A “Qualified” Wind Certification Inspection must be performed, impact protective devices must be labelled or the owner must provide documentation of compliance with FBC2001 or Miami-Dade Product Approval for Large Missle Impact Resistance.
Q- Can’t a shutter contractor “Qualify” their own work after they install shutters?
A- Yes but, you should be aware that insurers are checking the forms and new legislation is being proposed to make falsification of the forms, or obvious errors a felony. Contractors that self certify will be scrutinized for obvious reasons and if they only complete part of hte form homeowners may complete the rest and submit it under thier license number. We recommend using a third party independent inspection form to certify your installations. This not only relieves the installation of any associated liability, it provides a higher quality in the level of service contractors provide to thier clients.
