January has brought snow to many but that is not the weather story. The issue is thunderstorms. Yes, you read that right, thunderstorms. In a report by Aon Plc, there were 37 thunderstorms that each cost at least $1 billion dollars in 2023. This is up from an average of 14 a year. Sadly, insurance companies are not prepared to handle these losses and we continue to see rates raised on property insurance. In the past year we have also seen insurance companies announce they are no longer writing new policies; the industry is rapidly changing. It is a new frontier in the insurance world and who knows what normal will be in the future. 
My best advice to homeowners is to work with an independent insurance agency that has numerous options. Be prepared to move your policies if an option is presented, this is why you work with an independent agency. Bundle your policies with one company. Take high deductibles and only make claims in catastrophic situations. Review your coverage, we are seeing many policies have high coverage A, your structure coverage, this means you might be over insured. Now might also be the time to purchase a monitored alarm system, if you don’t have one. Alarm systems discounts run about 10%.
A final comment, roofs continue to be the number one driver that prevents clients from being able to move polices. Insurance companies want properties with roofs under 15 years old.
When planning home improvements put roof upgrades on the top of your list.