Wednesday, May 4, 2011

House Fire Protection - Insurance Protection Class 10

Collier County is experiencing a drought and active wildfires. Insurance companies recognize the risk of loss due to wildfires and classify homes in these areas under "Protection Class 10". Protection Class 10 is severe and includes homes located further than 5 miles from a Fire Station and/or are further than 1000 feet from a fire hydrant. Owning a home located in "Protection Class 10" often means higher premiums and limited choice of insurance companies as only a few companies provide coverage for this class. In Collier County the South East section of Golden Gate Estates is a "Protection Class 10" area.

At Pro America Insurance Agency, Brent Smith writes Naples home insurance policies for a carrier, other than Citizens, that is providing coverage to homes in Protection Class 10 areas. As a consumer, it is important that you have choice when selecting an insurance company to cover your assets and you will find "choice" at Pro America Insurance Agency, Naples FL. We provide you the ability to choose because we represent a variety of the best insurance companies in Florida.

This may be a good time to review your Homeowners Insurance coverage with Brent at Pro America Insurance. Damage caused by fire is an important coverage all homeowners policies include. However, you may want to examine your limits and deductibles as well as your carrier.

There are many simple "do it yourself" preventative measures you as a homeowner can do to protect your property from fire damage. Create a Fire-Wise Home. A Fire-Wise Home has at least 30' of cleared area around it. You want your space to appear lean, clean and green according to The Collier County All Hazards Guide published by the Collier County Emergency Management Department and the Florida Fire-Wise Communities brochure published by the Florida Division of Forestry. Homeowners should prune shrubs and cut tree branches back, remove all dead plant material from around your home and plant fire resistant vegetation that is healthy and green year round. Creating a "shared defensible space" with your neighbors is a great strategy especially for those living on narrow, nonconforming lots, such as some in the Estates. Information on Fire-Wise Homes can be found at www.firewise.org. To receive an All Hazards Guide contact Collier County Emergency Management