Question 1

Do impact windows qualify for insurance discounts in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida homeowners who install impact-rated windows and doors can typically qualify for windstorm insurance discounts of 10 to 30 percent on their homeowner's insurance premium. The exact discount depends on your insurer and the coverage level of your upgrade. A wind mitigation inspection after installation will document the improvement and is usually required to receive the full discount.

Question 2

Are impact windows required by law in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Impact windows are required by the Florida Building Code for new construction and major renovations in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, which includes Miami-Dade and Broward counties. In other parts of Florida, impact windows are not legally mandated for existing homes, but they are the most effective form of hurricane protection available and are increasingly required by insurance companies as a condition of coverage.

Question 3

How long does impact window installation take in Florida?

Accepted Answer

A typical single-family home in Florida with 10 to 20 windows can have impact windows installed in one to three days. Larger homes or projects requiring structural modifications may take longer. Permitting is required in Florida for all impact window installations, and the permit process typically adds one to two weeks to the overall project timeline before installation can begin.

Question 4

Will my insurance cover impact window replacement after a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Florida homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden storm damage to windows and doors caused by wind, flying debris, or a named hurricane event. However, the claim must be properly documented. Many homeowners receive low settlement offers because the damage was not thoroughly documented. Ballistic Window and Door has a former insurance adjuster on the team who helps homeowners document claims correctly and recover the full value of the damage.

Question 5

What is the difference between impact windows and hurricane shutters?

Accepted Answer

Hurricane shutters must be manually deployed before a storm and removed afterward, requiring physical labor and advance warning. Impact windows provide permanent, always-on protection without any preparation. Impact windows also provide year-round benefits including UV protection, energy savings of 10 to 30 percent on cooling costs, noise reduction of up to 40 percent, and improved home security. Most Florida insurance companies offer larger discounts for impact windows than for shutters.

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